1

No you are not Ken!! How coincidental that you wrote this today…!

Just a few days ago I went to see Street Kings at my theater. Within 10 minutes my friend and I noticed the family sitting in the row behind us. It was a mom and dad and their two kids - one aged probably 2 years old, the other probably 6. We noticed it because the baby would start to make obnoxious noises every so often on top of the typical "managing kids" rustling. And damn was it annoying!

Thankfully we know the policies. I have said it time and time again - it is PEOPLE who need to step up and make a difference! Cinemark (and I think AMC and Regal too) have a policy clearly written and stated on their box office windows that says: "Note: No Children Under Age 6 Will Be Admitted To Any R-Rated Feature After 6:00 PM." And YES, they uphold this policy.

We finally alerted the manager and had them kicked out. Yep, it was done, quick and easy. That's how you do it!

The problem is not only do theaters never check OR care, but managers do not wait in theaters watching for this. If you notice these problems - alert a manager. They will follow policy, they have to. The policy is there, it just takes the ACTIONS of people to actually make a difference. And I think this is where it all needs to start. From now on I am going to request that people like that be removed from screenings and EVERY showing I go to. I am going to start to make a difference one showing at a time!

Alex Billington on Apr 15, 2008

2

I had a similar experience only know with a young child but with a couple of teenagers at The Ruins.
Is it necessary to talk the entire time? And if you absolutely must say something whisper?
Well they didn't understand so i informed them to shut the F$#@ up and they did.
Can't stand people who talk in theaters it takes me out of the experience.
This includes people who are sick and go to movies as well and cough and make noises.
Damn im getting old.

heckle0 on Apr 15, 2008

3

Theater experiences in general are becoming less and less of an enjoyable experience everytime I go. This post only covers a percentage of it, but damn is it accurate.

Thanks for the article!

-JD

Josh on Apr 15, 2008

4

Theaters have always needed to get more fascist. Not just kids, but talkers.

The worst I've ever sat through was OUT OF SIGHT, not because the kid was loud, but because she couldn't understand the flirting and asked her mom about it all through the movie.

Then there was the woman I worked with who got excited about taking her 5 and 7 year old to FREDDY VS JASON.

Andrew Wickliffe on Apr 15, 2008

5

I haven't had a problem in a movie theatre in awhile. *knocks on wood*

Rarity on Apr 15, 2008

6

Finally! I thought I was the only one who was fed up with this.

My first experience with this was when I went to see a good ol' R-rater with one of my buddies. The movie was "Frailty". It was about how Bill Paxton would hack people to pieces with an axe because he thought they were demons. A loud family with their kids (4-7 yrs.) sat right behind us. It totally killed the enjoyment of the film. Violence and subject matter aside, the kids didn't even connect with the movie at a simple level. I understand not wanting to pay for a babysitter, but it seems to me that 20-bucks to pay a teenager is cheaper than the 30-bucks you'll pay for your kids' tickets, popcorn, etc.

Whenever I walk into a PG-13 or less, I know what I'm getting, and I accept it. But the R-rated film is supposed to be the place adults can go to get away from the kids. A refuge of sorts.

I agree with Alex's comment–let's take back our theaters from the Wal-Mart mom's of America!

Mark P on Apr 15, 2008

7

I haven't had a problem in the recent months, thankfully, because I have learned which theatres to simply avoid. I stopped going to one theater altogether after watching King Kong there, and having the man across the aisle loudly translate every sentence spoken on screen into ebonics so that his son could understand it. Utterly absurd.

Meller on Apr 15, 2008

8

When I went to see 300, there was a group of boys sitting behind me. They were with their dads, who were several rows behind them. The boys were all of 8 or 9.

During the scene with the naked siren or whatever it was, the boys kept saying "boobies" and giggling. It was funny at first, but when they kept saying it during dialogue, I got annoyed. Then the rest of the movie they spent shuffling around, going in and out of the theater, buying candy, etc. I got really fed up and said something to them (I'm a teacher, so I know how to talk to kids) and they were good for the rest.

Unfortunately, being that Baltimore City is full of people who must have tons of money to pay to disrupt a movie, I rarely go to theaters in the city because of the stupid commentary from the audience and the parents who take their 3 year old to see Hostel 2 or Rambo.

Mike on Apr 15, 2008

9

I also agree this is getting out of hand. Liek last year I went and saw Saw 4 and in the theater with us there was a guy who had his like 6 year old kids with him. I asked him what he was thinking and he got all in my face about it. I think there needs to be some sort of rule where you have to be at least 17 to see it no matter what regaurdless of parental guardian or not. Depending on the film maybe you cna go as low as 15 with and adult butno 8 year old needs to see Hostel.

CSpuppydog on Apr 15, 2008

10

Agree mostly with the article.

A good solution would be enforceable R rating inclusive of the NC-13 rating. And change 'not appropriate' with 'not allowed'.
Also I didn't go to see AVP:R in theaters mainly because USA aired a commercial during christmas/newyears that was basically targeted toward those 10 and younger, with a crappy go along song as well. That really put me off of seeing the movie.

There are such distractions in theaters, and while I have experienced crying babies, talkative teenagers or a sick person coughing, people opening their cellphones to read time/msg, I tried to enjoy the movie I was seeing. Other times I had rather distraction free experience.

SP on Apr 15, 2008

11

As someone who is actively fighting in the War on Babies,

I recommend the theft and consumption of small children during R-Rated movies.

IHateChildren on Apr 15, 2008

12

@ Alex

Also we go to the same thetaer I know most of the ushers that work there and pretty much everyoen who works there through school and friends, I am good friends with most of them and the problem is most of them don't care at all. I ahve actually had conversations with them about thsi and most of them don't give a damn, hell only a few of them I know actually will kick out underage kids unless they have been asked to do so. So yeha I do agree soemhting needs to be done but question is, what?

CSpuppydog on Apr 15, 2008

13

I don't have a problem with children seeing R-rated movies, especially considering the way the MPAA rates. I'd gladly take any six year old to see 'Once' in a theater.

But, I do agree with the 'annoyance' issue, which is why I love L.A. Many Los Angeles theaters have 21+ screenings. They aren't necessarily R-rated, they're just good movies you can watch sans the screaming babies and attention seeking teenagers. Movies cost $14 in L.A, but I'll pay an extra five bucks just to avoid the occasional teen who goes to a screening like Sixth Sense and shouts out "Bruce is dead!" ten minutes into the movie.

Bradford on Apr 15, 2008

14

At the theater I attend if there is an issue the theater management will gladly take care of it. They routinely check the theater during the show and via webcam from the front office in all theaters to see if there are any issues such as people putting their feet on the seats.

I had a situation where a group of teens kept running up and down the aisle during a showing and I alerted the manager who had them removed.

Napier's News on Apr 15, 2008

15

I think the problem extends to all movies, regardless of rating. I loath parents that will bring young kids to R-rated or scary movies, but most kids shouldn't be taken to alot of PG-13 or PG movies as well. For instance, when Lord of the Rings first came out, I didn't go see it right away, because I knew there would be too much noise. So I waited two weeks, the theater was mostly empty until half-way through the trailers, when a bunch of parents and young childeren sit down around me. Throughout the entire movie, I heard questions (not whispered, mind you) like, "what are those?", "what's a hobbit?", "is he a hobbit?", "is that a bad man?", etc. Of course, the parents had to audibly reply, "no, that's a goblin", "no that is a good guy", "hobbits are elves (sic)", etc. Add into the mix the frequent crying, yelling "momma", hysterical laughter, and shouts of joy, and you have a special movie-going experience!

-Milford Man
"Children should never be seen, nor heard" (and their parents should stay home, too!)

Milford Man on Apr 15, 2008

16

Geez folks I thought we had it bad in Ireland when we have to put up with annoying teenagers in 18 rated movies, cinemas over here let anyone in as long as there 14 or older and the having to be accompanied by adults is a joke they never apply this at all in anyway aspect, as for complaining you can do that but all they get is a "you behave or we shall have to ask you to leave" which off course never works. But ive never experieced anything like you guys and gals are saying. I dont feel so bad now when my movie experience is destroyed by kids that should never be seen let alone heard kicking the hell out of your seat when they sit behind you!!!

Darrell on Apr 15, 2008

17

I saw parents that had brought their kids to see Hostel when I saw it. Like 5 and 7 year olds, I think.

To be fair, despite the fact that they started crying and had to leave the theater, I'm pretty confident they enjoyed the movie more than I did.

The Editing Room on Apr 15, 2008

18

It's a common occurence for me and the wife. 8-9 year olds in Funny Games most recently. A family with two girls who couldn't have been older than 13 in Superbad. And my personal favoritem, a family with a son who was probably 9-10 in The Departed. They sat behind us and pretty much set up a picnic, gave the kid an iPod, Nintendo DS, a blanket and told him to "shut up" during the movie.

Ryan on Apr 15, 2008

19

I've had so many terrible experiences in these types of situations. While seeing Sin City I had a woman sitting behind me who had brought her 10 year old son and his friends. I asked her if she knew anything about the movie and she said "My son tells me it's based on a comic book". That was her justification on bringing them. I tried to explain the comic saying that my local comic book store wouldn't even sell it to these kids. But she wasn't listening. They left during the first half of "yellow bastard".

I saw Semi Pro and was forced to sit in front of a 5 year old. who kept standing up, and kicking my seat. They weren't paying attention to the movie at all. Some kids don't have the attention span for a movie in theaters period, much less a rated R one.

I saw 30 Days of Night and some parents there had left their daughter alone in a kids film. When her movie was over she came walking into 30 Days of Night right at the scene where the guys arm gets mangled by that garbage grinder. She was terrified but her mom called her up to the front row of the stadium style seating.

At Sweeney Todd a young girl who was wearing a Johnny Depp t-shirt threw up.. yes it caused a bit of a chain reaction and 2 of her friends threw up after that.



But not only that. I've had kids annoy me at non rated R movies. I sat in a screening of "Be Kind Rewind" and had a kid kicking the back of my seat for 5 minutes straight. I looked back at him and tried to get his attention and he was off in his own world. He was there with his bigger sister. No parents in sight. I asked her to keep him from kicking my seat and she looked at me like I was retarded. I asked where were their parents and they said at home. This girl was maybe 11. An 11 year old and a 5 year old left in the movies on their own!

Children need to be taught theater etiquette. Kids need to learn how to sit still and use quiet voices. Kids will talk at full volume like they do when they watch movies at home, because their parents don't teach them to whisper. I've had a kid be told to stop talking so loud at which point they asked "why do i have to be quiet mommy" at the top of their lungs.

Luckily there's a theater I've been going to that doesn't nonsense and will remove people if they bring an annoying child to a PG-13 or R rated movie. It's actually almost an hour out of my way, but this alone makes it worth my while.

Kent on Apr 15, 2008

20

Everyone needs to calm down. They paid for their ticket and their child's ticket just like you did. You can't go around questioning people's parenting. You don't go to McDonald's and tell all the families they shouldn't be feeding their kids that trash, so why in movies? I understand that the way you enjoy watching movies in peace and quiet but the kids enjoy watching movies talking and goofing around, who are you to stop them?

Andrew on Apr 15, 2008

21

I look forward to the $30 theater. I'd rather pay $30 for 1 film where the audience is cordial instead of $10 for 3 films where the audience is comprised of animals.

Stabmaster Arson on Apr 15, 2008

22

What Hollywood doesn't understand is that the modern theater experience is a huge reason why ticket sales continue to slump. I've all but stopped going to movie theaters to see movies, and mostly for the reasons listed: that parents bring their babies, that the theater is full of annoying teenagers etc.

When I went to see Wolf Creek a few years ago, a family with a boy no older than five sat behind me and all the kid did was whimper (and spill his candy and soda all over the floor). Like Stabmaster said, I'd rather pay $30 for a cordial audience than $8 for an audience full of whining kids.

Zach on Apr 15, 2008

23

An R-rating shouldn't exist in the first place. R-rated films are all geared towards adults so it makes no sense that children should be allowed in cinemas to see them. The English system is much better, where you have PG, 12A, 15 and 18 certificates. Anyone under the age of 15 isn't allowed into a 15 and nobody under the age of 18 is allowed into an 18. Of course, teenagers who look older than years find their way into films they shouldn't be allowed into, but I've never had to worry about little kids. That's just ridiculous.

Ricky Roma on Apr 15, 2008

24

I agree totally with Andrew #20 I have seen a movie where a kid was crying infact i have seen lots of movies where that has happened cause i have seen 99% of the movies that have come out in the last 6 years and it doesn't really bother me that much. I hear them and then i can block it out. It actaully doesn't happen that often maybe once in every 20 movies i see. You are all just whining like the little kids you are complaining about!

ha1rball on Apr 15, 2008

25

Zach, you're not in Chicago are you? Because I saw Wolf Creek at the AMC Western, and holy sh#t, one of the worst movie-going experiences I've ever had. They had to stop the film 10 minutes into it because of all the screaming. I vowed never to go back there, and haven't, since then.

Stabmaster Arson on Apr 15, 2008

26

Id agree there should be some censorship and rules. I would love to go see an adult movie without any snotty tweens or crying babies around. I have always though that was inappropriate to bring toddlers etc to something that is purely adult. I want to watch a movie, not feel like Im in a daycare center.

interl0per on Apr 15, 2008

27

This is the definition of what a true Rated R movie is, directly from mpaa.org. If you all really have issues with this, find times where you won't usually see young kids, like the last round of movies every night. But here is the definition:

"An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures."

If you really can't handle it, then why don't you all right letters and have the MPAA start using the NC-17 rating. If you read it's definition, it appears to be more appropriate for many of the Rated-R films we see these days. Here is the NC-17 rating:

"An NC-17 rated motion picture is one that, in the view of the Rating Board, most parents would consider patently too adult for their children 17 and under. No children will be admitted. NC-17 does not mean “obscene” or “pornographic” in the common or legal meaning of those words, and should not be construed as a negative judgment in any sense. The rating simply signals that the content is appropriate only for an adult audience. An NC-17 rating can be based on violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse or any other element that most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children."

Until the ratings change, parents do have every right to have their kids inside the theater. And until the parents stop buying tickets for the children, theaters will not change policy because it is all about money. So there is two options: deal with it or try to change the ratings of many Rated-R films to NC-17.

Andy Adair on Apr 15, 2008

28

When I wathced Clerks 2, I saw a mother dragging two BEGGING 8 year olds out of the theater 6 minutes into the flick. Good call.

Brough on Apr 15, 2008

29

When I saw 300 there were kids everywhere, and a baby! All of the R-rated films I've seen so far, kids are there, 12 and under, its ridiculous. I'm very ashamed of the parents.

Fish on Apr 15, 2008

30

My theater is plagued by annoying kids most of which are middle school aged. My solution is to just see movies on Sunday nights, since they've all got school the next day! There really should be better control on who is allowed into R movies. I got into them quite easily when I was underage, but thankfully they've started cracking down in recent years.

iamvirus32 on Apr 15, 2008

31

I always see kids at R-rated movies with their parents, and yes, it bothers me immensely. I find it very uncomfortable watching a movie like Hostel 2 or Knocked Up with a bunch of pre-teens sitting in front of me.

Ultimately, it has to be up to the parent and most parents I've talked to don't care that their kids are seeing these things, claiming "oh well, they'll see it on cable soon enough anyways." What kind of attitude is that? I admit my mom was one of those parents, but she discussed the movie with me after and made me understand that these things I saw were just a movie and not real. So many times, I see these kids leaving the theater thinking the "thug life" storyline they just watched is the coolest thing ever. There's no parental supervision or involvement in what these kids are watching.

And let's not even mention the screaming babies in the audience. I get that parents need to go out and do adult things, but that is when you hire a babysitter for the night. Sheesh!

Michelle S. on Apr 15, 2008

32

I had the WORST experience of my life during ONE MISSED CALL and it wasn't just from the film! There was a group of 3 the whole time talking and making obnoxious noises. I told the manager and they shut up. I think people really need to be more proactive.

I have seen movies younger then I should have but I UNDERSTOOD TO BE QUIET! YOU CAN BRING A 5 YEAR OLD TO LUST, CAUTION FOR ALL THAT I CARE AS LONG AS THEY ARE QUIET!!!!!!

You CAN'T tell someone not to go but they atleast need to SHUT-UP! I haven't had many problems in the theatre recently but when I do they are usually with old ladies actually :)!

"GERTIE! WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY?!"

KEN, buddy though, I feel real sorry for you if you wait for 2 HOURS to get into a free screening though.

Ryan on Apr 15, 2008

33

When I saw Cloverfield, there was a 2-3yr old in the row in front of us, aftewards, in the lobby, we saw him w/ his family and his parents were making fun of him for being scared *sigh* poor kid.

Chris on Apr 15, 2008

34

is just me or are those parents that stupid.

Darrin on Apr 15, 2008

35

I can't imagine anyone older than 13 watching Heartbreak Kid or Good Luck Chuck.

Lance @ FilmDrunk on Apr 15, 2008

36

The fact that this is happening is just wrong. I mean, I live in Canada, and I don't see this problem anywhere near as much as you do! How can parents be so goddamn retarted? I thought that no parent would be idiotic enough to take their child to "Sweeney Todd". I had to cover my eyes during that movie, and I'm old enough to get in! (not when it's on DVD, though) I think they should change the rating so no one under 13 (or some age around that) can see an R-rated film at all. And that shouldn't hurt business too much, considering that teens are the audience for most of these things anyway. If the little kids are EVER going to see it, they should have to wait for the DVD!

Andrew on Apr 15, 2008

37

no one under 14 would be good to say but impossible to regulate as not many under 16 have ID and theyre parents will say their 14 while the kid sits there throwing a temper tantrum that he cant have popcorn and snocaps too
i hardly go to theaters anymore unless friends are in town and want to go, i went to the AMC theaters a little over a year ago in the middle of winter so i had a full beard but forgot my ID and they wouldnt let me in when i clearly look 20 yet theres all these little kids running around, that AMC theaters is bad though because its at a ritzy strip mall with thousands of teens hanging around and they buy tickets to a different pg13 movie thats in a theater next to the good R ones and then go ruin the R movie
and i cant stand the people who have to talk all through the movie asking questions because they dont understand anything thats going on, my sisters one of them so its hard to even rent movies

and to 20 and 24 yea they paid for their tickets but i paid for mine and id like my moneys worth which doesnt include listening to their kids cry and whine or kick my seat for 90 minutes or so

harrison on Apr 15, 2008

38

Ryan #32 - LOL I don't have to wait in lines anymore since I get in as press. But, I remember when I used to get those free passes to get into the screenings. Movies like 300 and Transformers had some people in line for 3 hours. They end up turning a lot of people away.

Andrew #36 and Michelle S. #31 - As much as I hate the talking and noises from these underage kids, most times its just about them being in there that is distracting. Like you said Michelle, "I find it very uncomfortable watching a movie like Hostel 2 or Knocked Up with a bunch of pre-teens sitting in front of me." It's sad that these parents decide to take their kids to those types of films instead of finding a babysitter. Just because they have the right to take them doesn't mean it's the correct decision.

Ken Evans on Apr 15, 2008

39

Andy,
You're a good guy and I know what you're saying, but it really doesn't apply to most of what people are saying. Some people may be jumping to the conclusion that if you keep little kids out of R-rated flicks, it will make the experience better. I'm not going to comment on that one way or another.

The issue I have is when people/kids behave in an inappropriate manner at the movies. If I'm going to see a Pixar flick, I absolutely expect to see a bunch of kids who have a good time, laugh and scream and whatever. The same is expected from teens/adults at Grindhouse, Die Hard or even 300. Whoops and hollars at the crazy action actually enhance the moviegoing experience in these cases.

However, when I'm watching The Fountain and people are being disrepsectful and talking loud during the movie, or I'm watching Be Kind Rewind and half of what I'm hearing is some stupid kid texting on his phone that's beeping at him every 20 seconds that it's low on battery power, I have an issue. That's when you go to the manager and have something done. That manager knows that if he does take care of the issue, the offender may sulk, but will be back. If the manager DOESN'T do something, not only will I not return, I'll tell every single one of my friends about the experience and convince them not to come back as well.

I really think that we're all just decrying the fact that there are so many people who have no sense of decency and how to act in a public place. Some people have forgotten that they have this thing called an inside voice or to even respect other people in any given setting. It's all become about this bs sense of entitlement and that they paid for their ticket so they can act however they want. Taking that to its logical conclusion, the people who just finished beating the hell out of you for not shutting up paid for their tickets so they can act however they want. It really could lead to a complete lack of civility.

I'm thankful that the theater I go to (and Alex and CSpuppydog among others in this thread) has management that realizes this needs to be put under control and have taken admirable steps. I just hope other theaters around the country take notice as well.

SG Dave on Apr 15, 2008

40

I couldn't care less about parents taking their young to see R rated movies. Let the kids become demented adults, I don't care. However if they start making noise, then that's where I draw the line. I go to the earliest screening of movies that I want to see on Friday to avoid stupid kids and teens talk. The worst experience was saw 4 where the entire room was teenagers; all these stupid groups of awkard teens complaining about the movie because they didn't understand it. Yes, I called the manager TWICE but he would just tell them to settle down and as soon as he left they started up again. Don't get me started on crying babies!

groundskeeperwillie on Apr 15, 2008

41

Honestly this is one reason I spent 2K on a nice 46" LCD TV, I'm sick of movies in my town. Every other time I would go to a movie something would happen, something annoying or infuriating. The worst is when you wait a month to see a movie you can wait to see only to be bothered the whole time by someone else in the theater. I almost rather wait for the DVD since they come out so close to the theatrical releases now.

And yeah we went to see Good Luck Chuck and there was SO many little kids there, um its not Flipper ok, read a review in the newspaper or something.

Here are some funny stories for you, once this women would not shut up, I dont remember the movie at all but my wife told her husband to tell her to shut up, and they guy was like 6'6' 250 with tatoos all over and a vest on and wearing black sunglasses (biker) in the theater, I thought I was gonna get my ass kicked, but I just looked at him and they stopped, I told my wife, thanks alot lol.

This other time this guys wife would not shut up and people were getting upset and the guy behind him told her to shut up and her husband got mad and they started fighting in the theater over the rows, and this was like mid-movie. I think it was the Patriot

One of the recent times I went to the theater (I Am Legend) there was this Mexican couple who were talking loud as F in Spanish (and I'm hispanic so bear with me) and my wife told the girl SHHH 2 times, even told her to please be quite once in Spanish. They would not stop. I mean for F's sake if your gonna translate the whole movie in Spanish do it in a whisper, I mean F cant you tell by inflections what they are saying, do you need it all translated?? They proceeded to talk at normal voice levels and I had it, I got up and said, You guys need to learn to STFU! (whats funny is when I did that about bunch of other people were like yeah and no shit!) I got out of my chair and went around and was standing in front of that guy just ready to destroy his face and my wife took me by the arm and we left, I grabbed a theater worker by the arm and told him to get in there and remove those people for the sake of everyone else in there and they already ruined it for me (he shook is head ok and ran into the theater). I wanted to stay and kick his ass when they threw him out but my wife made me leave.

Thus, I don't like going to the movies much anymore, which sucks because its one of the very few things I enjoy a wide range of, I see them all eventually tho (redbox FTW)

Richard on Apr 15, 2008

42

Same, Richard #41. I've totally given up going to the cinema; too many times the experience has been ruined by one thing or another - usually other people being assholes.

I just wait for the DVD and watch it in the comfort and quiet of my own home.

On the subject of kids in adult-rated movies - I fucking hate it. Even in M-rated (Australia) ones I hate it. I remember sitting through LOTR: The Return of the King and some dumb family brought their baby and kids in who cried the whole damn time.

Either that or some fool talking; or teenagers or tweens txting during the movie, bright screens held high in front of you; or mobile phones that people STILL don't turn off (they should be killed)… *fume*

Grrr, the movie experience of today is horrible. Here's to home cinema!

avoidz on Apr 15, 2008

43

I can't count the times that I've had similar experiences. I strongly believe they shouldn't allow kids under 13 into R-rated movies regardless of who's seeing it with them. Period. And I think that generally manners have deteriorated to the point where many people will opt out of seeing a movie on the big screen after having just one bad experience with the legion of impolite people. On the other hand, I have noticed that people are much better about cellphone use than used to be the case. Perhaps it's the constant reminders in the form of ads not to be an asshole. Maybe we need some like-minded ads centered on this subject.

Woodge on Apr 15, 2008

44

If theres one thing I hate it's parents who take their kids to movies, but since thats not the only thing I hate, I'll add that I hate talkers.

I went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks and the theater was full of kids. Understandable, if I wanna see a kids movie, I should rent it when it comes out on DVD.

I went to see Cloverfield and the theater was full of kids. Slightly understandable because it's PG-13, but was still annoying as fuck.

I went to see Halloween. The body occupying the seat next to me was a 5 year old who shit himself. It wasn't just shit, it was diareha, because the movie was so scary to him. Not only that, but he didn't tell his parents until the movie was over, so I had to sit there and deal with the stench for the whole movie. I would've told the parents but I felt bad for the kid because it wasn't his fault he was there, it was his parents, so I didn't tell them and embarrass him.

Theaters really need to up the anty, I agree, it should be "Parents and Guardians Are Permitted To Bring Minors 14 and Up to R-Rated Films".

Kail on Apr 15, 2008

45

OK, I see that theres two problems arrising in this thread.
1) Underage people being in films that they should not b in.
2) The behavour of people in the cinema itself.
However, as the title of the artical is 'How Young is Too Young', I believe that the comments should stay on subject and all other arguments should be said in the FS.net forums.

I believe that the sole problem is actually with the Ratings System. Allowing young children to watch a film that was created for adults is just as bad as letting a five year old look at porn. I think the UK ratings system is vastly superior as it actually stops minors viewing content which isnt for thier eyes. For example, an R rated film in the US is either rated a 15 or 18 in the UK and children below that age are plain and simply not allowed to view it. Its not against human rights and its not against the constitution; its just plain common sense. As I said, its illegal for a minor under the age of 18 to buy porn, right?

Marcus on Apr 15, 2008

46

Cinema staff in general should do more to enforce - yes, enforce - the ratings system; so that: 1) The ratings system itself isn't made worthless, and 2) adult cinema customers aren't alienated by the whole cinema-going experience (which at the moment is pretty shit).

avoidz on Apr 15, 2008

47

Wow pretty much everything that was said in this post and many of the comments are just about exactly what I have been feeling for a good long while. Although im not very much older than the 17yr old age limit, i have had many similar experiences and have been both shocked and annoyed. My most recent experience was when I went to the free screening of The Ruins. Not only was the movie extremely bloody and violent, but within the first 15 minutes or so of the film you saw four of the five main characters completely or partially naked. Not to mention the screening was at 10PM. Next to me was a little boy that looked about 8 or 9. 1/3 of the audience in the theater was comprised of children of ages between younger than 1 to 12 yrs of age. More and more often do I see a large amount of children viewing these R-rated films. I find it quite appalling that parents subject their children to these types of movies because they either are too cheap, lazy or just incapable of finding a babysitter. If that is the case they shouldn't be taking their child out to see a movie at all or should go see a movie that is made for their age group.

Anthony on Apr 15, 2008

48

Totally agree with you here. I have worked in a several theaters and see this everyday. Kids sneaking into and R-rated film and having to be kicked out after a few minutes by n usher is one thing, but when the parents are taking them is another. No, I dont have children, and I have no issues with R rated films, I just feel there is something wrong when I see parents take their children to R rated films.

The most memorable incident in my mind brings me back to opening night of Hostel. For those of you who have seen the film, you know that it was no place for children. I was checking tickets at the door just to ensure that no children snuck in because of how graphic the film was. What happened next was unbelievable. A couple had brought their 3 year old, and 9 year old to watch Hostel. I told them how graphic it was in hopes to talk them out of it, and they got offended that I questioned their parenting, and made a big fuss.

WHy would anyone think it is acceptable to take their children to see Hostel?

Stan-Lee on Apr 15, 2008

49

It's a problem that seems to be getting worse. That is why I spent the money on a nice home theater with a Mitsubishi 73" HDTV. My setup is actually higher quality than most of my local theaters. The funny thing was we had a friend over that brought her 17 year old daughter. So we are watching I am legend and I hear a beep. I look over at the daughter and she's playing with her cell phone. So I grabbed it out of her hand and told her if she was going to come to our place for a movie that the cell phone was forbidden. her mom, our friend just grinned. She thought what I did was hilarious. The bottom line is, My theater, my rules.
We all have a much more enjoyable experience staying at home and watching movies.

Mike Avallone on Apr 16, 2008

50

"WHy would anyone think it is acceptable to take their children to see Hostel?"
I would ask the same question about "Halloween" and "30 Days of Night"
What really irks me is when a child is obviously upset over the graphic violence or sex on screen, but the parents or adults choose to ignore them and watch the film. Why would a parent or Gaudian choose to take their children to a film that would scare them to the point of tears, and SIT THROUGH THE ENTIRE THING?!?
Since this movie experience obvioulsy isn't for your kid, for God's sake cough up the money for a baby-sitter.

William on Apr 16, 2008

51

I agree man. I think R movies should actually be restriced to anyone under 13 period. I think teenagers, know a lot more than we think they do, but still need a adult with them. but 12 and under have no place in "R" Theaters.

Jonathan Lee on Apr 16, 2008

52

When I went to see 'Kill Bill' for the second time in the theater, this couple had brought their kid with them - he was probably under 10 - and I couldn't believe it. I told them their kid would most likely shit his pants about 30 seconds into the movie (not in those terms :P), and they basically told me to stfu. The kid was screaming to be let out of the theater by the time the bride was crushing that dude's head with the door in the hospital. The retarded parents were actually trying to shut him up instead of just leaving, but they finally left. I feel bad for that kid, and kids in general who's parents have absolutely no idea how to raise a child.

I'd be all for a 'no child under 13' rule at a theater, if the theater was so inclined to establish one. And, yeah… anyone taking their -5 year old to see Hostel has to have some kind of mental disorder. I think people like that don't think of their kids as people, but instead as baggage that cries and laughs and that they have to carry around wherever they go.

Squiggly_P on Apr 17, 2008

53

You're definitely not alone. As someone who once worked in a movie theater, I can inform you of some horrifying things I have seen both during and after movies:

-As you said, children of any age in movies of any rating.
-Quite a few parents wandering the halls with their youngings asking to see a different movie, because no one decided to research the content rating before taking the 4-year-olds to Beowulf or somesuch.
-Booster seats. Many of them.
-Dirty diapers, often shoved in a popcorn bucket or nacho dish. Is there any -less- of an appropriate place to place feces? Granted, they most likely put the diapers in there once they were done eating, but I'm just appalled to know these people can't be bothered to use the changing station in the restroom right next to the auditorium, and instead are comfortable sitting through the movie with fresh poop under their seat.

Unfortunately, our theater had no policies against this, and thus I was not permitted to ask them to leave unless they were being disruptive.

Of course, with any movie, even children's movies, there's the random chance that someone will decide to have sex in it. I mean the customers, of course, not the characters on screen. Actually, where I worked, this seemed to happen almost exclusively in the children's movies, which bothers me more than anything.

Joelle D. Haskell on Apr 17, 2008

54

My wife and I found the perfect solution to these problems - AMC's A.M. Cinema. $4 for any film before noon on Saturday or Sunday mornings. The annoying teenagers aren't up and around at the mall by then, plus it's not Friday or Saturday night - the "cool" time to be seen at the mall - so we've never had any problems with annoying kids. And the kids that are there, are with their parents who keep them in line. Plus, we get to see a movie on the cheap and still have the rest of our day to do other things. Definitely a win-win situation.

SpaceMonkeyX on Apr 17, 2008

55

I totally agree. Two of my biggest pet peeves with the movie going experience are crying babies and snotty teens talking through a movie. Its the blatant lack of regard for the rest of the audience that gets me. Where has common courtesy gone? I also don't think young children should be exposed to many of the themes presented in a R-rated movie, but those are my personal beliefs, and there is nothing we can really do to change someone else's parenting style. However, just because they have the "right" to bring their kids, doesn't mean they should, especially if they would use there brains enough to realize that they are ruining the cinema experience for the rest of the audience.

Southtown on Apr 17, 2008

56

I guess I'm in the minority here…

I agree that annoyances in the theater are uncalled for and should be handled differently.. but outside of theater behavior.. I think a reasonable amount of children over the age of 12 or 13 are fully capable of handling an average R rated movie.

We're all going to see these things at a certain time (or not). The same reason that would prevent me from taking a 12 year old child to a movie like Hostel is the same reason I wouldn't take my mother, Neither would be able to appreciate the movie for what it is. But at the same time, I myself at 12, would've been fine viewing a movie like this.

What it really comes down to is the person's ability to deal with this type of movie. Is viewing a movie like Knocked up going to scar a 13 year old for the rest of it's life? Probably not. Will the child be able to appreciate the movie as much as your average adult? That really depends on the child. But if a child is capable of understanding and appreciating a movie is this really that big of a deal?

We're really talking about lots of different issues with this, if a person can't be well-behaved.. they don't belong in the theater, regardless of age. I've sat next to many a 40-something adult talking during a movie, or the person that forgot to turn off their phone, or the constant texter, or many of the countless other theater annoyances.

I agree with the statement that responsibilites aren't being handled by the parents but I disagree with the idea of banning someone under the age of XX to see any movie. I've seen many an R rated movie.. many before the age of 18, as have most of us, has any one movie ruined your life by viewing it a couple years too early?

Afrosheen on Apr 17, 2008

57

Wow, a lot has been said about this already, but I thought I'd share an anecdotal experience. When the third Die Hard film opened, a friend and I went to see it that afternoon. About 30 seconds after the movie started, a kid who was sitting behind us that couldn't have been older than six or so, began to ask his parents, "is this Die Hard? Mommy? Is this Die Hard? Is this Die Hard?" in roughly 10 second intervals. It took everything I had not to turn around and yell at the kid to get him to shut up. Thankfully his parents were eventually able to get him to be quiet, but that experience turned me off of going to see movies during the day forever. For years afterwards, my friends and I would consciously go to a showing that started no earlier than 10pm, to try to cut down on the possibility there would be young kids in the audience. Lately, as I've gotten older, I'd much rather avoid large crowds in general, so nowadays if I absolutely must see a movie on its opening weekend I'll go early in the morning that Saturday, and have had pretty good luck so far (at least at my local theater).

Dan on Apr 18, 2008

58

Some may argue that it's not an issue of bad parenting, I would posture though that it is an issue of selfishness. Regardless of the maturity level of your child or the idea that the baby may sleep through the movie, it's unfair to other people who paid to enjoy a movie to make them deal with the discomfort of dealing with your child. I'm a father of 3 boys who I think are all well behaved and can handle certain movies, still I make plans to have a sitter for movies that may have a rating that would be inappropriate for my child.

Stop being lazy and making people deal with the fact that you're too incompetent to find a sitter or too selfish to put the needs of your child above your desire to see a movie.

Rob on Apr 18, 2008

59

I wish people like all of you would be as passionate over improving your lives in a meaningful and earth-friendly way as you are about this subject. There really are much more important things in life that help everyone lead a happier and healthier life. Too bad you aren't likely to get up in arms about that when you can complain about a crappy movie experience.

There are much bigger issues to solve and this isn't one of them.

Craig on Apr 20, 2008

60

@Craig - then what the hell are you doing here wasting your time posting a lecture for the rest of us movie fans?

avoidz on Apr 20, 2008

61

For once I have a group of sensible people backing me on this. I wholeheartedly agree with Both Ken and Alex in there postings here.

I happen to live in Canada. In Canada, we used to have out ratiing system worked as anything that is restricted, is restricted to anyone 18 and over ONLY. Then there was AA (adult accompaniment) for anyone under 14.

In the last few years, they've extended this a bit. Now we have 14A - which is the exact same thing as AA rating. There's also, 18A ratiing where this is restricted to anyone that is above 18 years of age, however, anyone below 18 may get in if they are accompanied by someone who is over 18 years of age. - See the loop hole?

Then there are the rare movies that get a solid R rating where this is absolutely restricted to persons 18 years and over, no exceptions of time of day or accompaniment. I remember there was a few like these, "Kill Bill:Vol 1", "Running Scared"….

I think maybe the MPAA could learn a thing or two from the Canadian Film Rating system.

Conrad on Apr 20, 2008

62

I went to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall and there were about 5 or 6 very young grade school age girls with their mothers in the theater. The crude language and many Graphic scenes of male full frontal nudity is not something a 6 - 10 year old should see. I find it appalling. When did the MPAA start letting graphic male frontal nudity in movies anyways? I found it kind of uncomfortable.

alex on Apr 26, 2008

63

Last night, I went to see Harold and Kumar 2. For anyone who's seen the original (and why would you be there opening night if you haven't?), you would know that it was going to be a very, very R-rated film (in fact, I think it bordered on NC-17). So, what would possess anyone to bring an 8-year-old, like someone did last night? The family finally got up to leave about an hour into the film, after having already seen full-frontal male and female nudity, forced oral sex, considerable profanity, and copious drug use.

At least the kid was quiet, which is more than I can say about the kid who was in the theater when I saw The Last Samurai. He brought along a toy sword, and when he got board with the film, he went up to the front of the auditorium and started waving it around. Luckily, he was small enough that the sword didn't block any of the screen, but it sure was distracting.

Mark on Apr 26, 2008

64

@Alex #62 - What's wrong with male full frontal?? Why is a naked penis any more "graphic" than a naked vagina? Women have had to deal with female full frontal for years in movies. It's about time somebody crossed that double-standard off the list.

And if it made you uncomfortable, think of how we've felt all these years. LOL I don't have an issue with the female body, but it's no fun being in a movie theater watching a full frontal female shot with a bunch of teen males in the audience who act like they've never seen a naked woman before.

Michelle S. on Apr 27, 2008

65

There's 2 arguments here;

1)Get the kids out of adult-orientated films because they're annoying. This is true. I'll put up with it in an early showing of a Kids movie, but I won't be happy about it.

2)Should children be allowed in to see R films because of content?

This SHOULD, I think, be fairly straightforward. Either a film's suitable for a certain age group, or it isn't. Just because some child's parent is too dim to work out/find out what a film's about doesn't mean that their child should be put through what I imagine is quite a traumatic experience.

As a Brit, I've never been able to fathom your American ways, it seems like your ratings are a bit of a free-for-all. Over here we have U (For everyone), PG (the same again, pretty much), 12A (Over 12 unless with adult), 15 and 18 (HAVE to be over 15 or 18). Clear-cut, decisive, legally enforcable (big fines if there are kids where they shouldn't be).

The thing I never realised until recently is how much stigma there is in the US around NC-17, which seems a perfectly reasonable thing to have as part of your rating system. Anybody any clues as to why? It seems to me that the whole ratings system is used as a marketing football a lot more than it is here.

PS Vantage Point was a 12A over here, and it had at least one "f-bomb". I was surprised. Particularly when I heard it was on as a Parent and Baby showing at my local cinema one week.

PPS All the films Ken mentioned in his article were 15 rated over here, except Sweeney Todd which was an 18.

Peter Simpson on Apr 28, 2008

66

basically, ratings are somewhat clearly defined, whether you're in US or UK… some rating definitions may be open to misinterpretations and can easily become vague and challenged however most of it are straight and simple… so i guess the problem lies not on how a movie is being rated but on how these ratings are implemented… we can't just rely on the parents of these kids to continuously educate their children how to behave and what movie to watch… theater owners/management should have the responsibility to ensure that ratings' policies are enforced… and if they screw up, they should be penalized… i mean, we're paying these establishments to provide entertainment, quality entertainment then i guess we all deserve to be provided with one…

just like one poster said, he needed to call the attention of the theater's staff/management just to pinpoint what's wrong and because of that the management acted on it appropriately… should this always be case? i don't think so, why wait for someone to complain when the theater's management/staff could have acted on it before it happens… like for infants inside the theaters, give me a break!

miracle disease on Apr 30, 2008

67

Well, Andrew, they do pay for the movie but what right do THEY have to ruin someone else's experiance of a movie. Ia m 15 and have watched a about 10 rated R movie in a theatre, but I know my etiquette. If I want to say something, I usually wait till the movie is odne or whisper, and keep it to a minimum. Also, if the fact that your movie experiance is ruined, think about what some kids go through. It takes years and careful experiance to learn proper morale and what's right and what's not, and if a toddler or a child is growing up with this, imagine the impact it will have on them.

AlphaNoodle on Apr 30, 2008

68

"The thing I never realised until recently is how much stigma there is in the US around NC-17, which seems a perfectly reasonable thing to have as part of your rating system. Anybody any clues as to why? It seems to me that the whole ratings system is used as a marketing football a lot more than it is here."

You answered your own question, Peter. The ratings game is all about the marketing game over here, and a film getting an NC-17 is the kiss of death. You may as well not release it at all. Because the ratings system is so vague and disoriented, studios count on ratings such as PG-13 and R (particularly the former) to gain audiences and thus $$$. They could care less whether the audiences are having a pleasant moviegoing experience or whether half the audience should not be there; as long as money has been coughed up on their behalf, they're happy as clams. Directors will go out of their way to cut footage out of their films in order to get an NC-17 rating knocked down to an R ("The Hills Have Eyes" remake last year had to cut out 2 minutes of footage to achieve an R rating, and I believe "Grindhouse" did as well); NC-17 guarantees no audiences, no marketing tools (I have never seen a commercial for an NC-17 film, except on the Internet), and a drive to a completely different theater. Like I said, in the eyes of the studio, they may as well not be released at all.


I agree with almost all of you; well said. The movie-going experience has become completely absurd, to the point that you need to go out of your way to make sure you have a good one. Something needs to change, stat.

Lauren on Apr 30, 2008

69

Thanks for commenting on this (apparent) social blight. What's my favorite time of year? September through June when school is in session. I'm in college so my schedule is somewhat flexible but at any rate, the best time (in my area anyway) to see a movie is a weekday afternoon. 95% of kids are still in school, the extremely obnoxious people are still at work and I get my ticket for a little less (matinee). I think the last few times I've gone to the movies, the audience didn't exceed ten people.

Josh on May 1, 2008

70

Wow !!!! buddy come and join us down on the planet earth !!!
People starving to death, 38.000.000 slaves across the globe, little kids shooting in schools and you find it horrible there's a kid next to you watching titties, i find it extremly lame man - it's like saying hey the situation is bad but i'm ok as long as i'm not exposed to it….
yeah, yeah you just stick your head into the sand, it's not like that way of thinking is part of the problem…. 8 year old saw a pair, probably the most troubling thing i've heard of…

Smith on May 5, 2008

71

Thanks ken 4 opening my eyes and im only 13!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sara on May 22, 2008

72

Michelle S. #64- Are you kidding me?! When have you seen a graphic image of a vagina in a movie because I have NEVER seen one? Pubic hair does not count as showing a vagina. All of the recent male full frontal nudity is extremely graphic and is basically porn. Genitals should be off limits in a mainstream R movie. It is unnecessary. It becomes porn with a plot. Male and female chests and butts are fine, but genitals crosses the line. Michelle, you are exactly why the media portrays this false double standard with nudity as many women and gay men have argued with absolutely no logic behind it that women are shown full frontal all the time, when in actuality THEY ARE NOT.. The only double standard is they show graphic penis shots, but never show a vagina. When they start to show a vagina in a graphic way then the double standard will be no more. Use some logic, although I am beginning to think females are incapable of using it. Another thing, enough with all this female revenge for the reason to show a penis. You don't hear men asking for graphic vagina shots in movies to get even. I'd like to hear your illogical response.

alex on May 22, 2008

73

Michelle S. # 64 Are you kidding me?! When have you seen a graphic image of a vagina in a movie because I have NEVER seen one? Pubic hair does not count. All of the recent male full frontal nudity is extremely graphic and is basically porn. Genitals should be off limits in a mainstream R movie. It is unnecessary. It becomes porn with a plot. Male and female chests and butts are fine, but genitals crosses the line. Michelle, you are exactly why the media portrays this false double standard with nudity as many women and homosexual men have argued with absolutely no logic behind it that women are shown full frontal all the time, when in actuality THEY ARE NOT.. The only double standard is they show graphic male nudity, but never show a vagina. When they start to show a vagina in a graphic way then the double standard will be no more. Use some logic, although I am beginning to think females are incapable of using it. Another thing, enough with all this female revenge for the reason to show male graphic nudity. You don't hear men asking for graphic vagina shots in movies to get even.

alex on May 22, 2008

74

Smith- you're and idiot!

jeff on May 22, 2008

75

"Nice beaver."

This is getting so ridiculous. People getting worked up over dicks and beavers? *sigh*

Move along…

avoidz on May 22, 2008