But Then, the Unexpected Happens
However, this idyllic scene often takes a turn for the worse. It could be a rowdy group of teenagers, an inconsiderate elderly couple, or even a family with noisy kids. Suddenly, your movie experience is at the mercy of these strangers. They start chatting loudly, disrupting the tranquility of the theater.For me, this has been a recurring nightmare. Going to the movies has turned into a bit of a gamble. Choosing the wrong seat and ending up next to a noisy group can completely ruin the movie. It's become a significant problem that has deterred many people from even stepping foot in a theater in the first place.
It seems that both Gen Zers and older folks lack a sense of self-awareness when it comes to conversing with their groups. They speak at full volume during the movie, completely oblivious to the annoyance they are causing to others.
The Challenge of Families with Kids
Then there are the babies and toddlers. While I love taking my 3-year-old to the movies, it's important to choose the right time and place. Parents should be more mindful of when they take their kids to the theater and which movies they choose. Morning showings of family-oriented movies are usually a better option as they are filled with other families and there is less pressure to be quiet.The Debate on Audience Participation
There has been a lot of discussion recently about audience participation in movie theaters, especially during musicals. There is a debate over whether it is acceptable to sing along during these screenings. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has weighed in on the matter, stating that if you've paid for a ticket and are into the musical, it's okay to sing. But we need to remember that this is a public place where our singing can easily ruin someone else's experience.For example, when "Wicked" hit theaters in November, some theaters had signs asking viewers not to sing along. It's understandable that hearing those Broadway hits makes us want to join in, but we must consider the impact on those around us. We are at the movies to enjoy the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, not our own singing.
If you really want to belt out "Defying Gravity," there will be an official sing-along release this Christmas. So, let's respect the theater environment and enjoy the movie as it was intended.
Personal Strategies to Avoid Bad Crowds
I have developed a few personal strategies to avoid the bad crowds. While they are not foolproof, they can help:Firstly, avoid going on Tuesdays. Tuesday crowds tend to be more casual moviegoers who are less concerned about paying full price. Be cautious of these crowds as they may be more likely to cause disruptions.
Secondly, go on opening night. People who attend opening night usually got their tickets early and are more invested in the movie. They are more likely to be quiet and attentive, making for a better movie experience.
Don't be afraid to shush if you are annoyed by the noise. Chances are, others around you feel the same way. By taking the initiative to shush, you can become a hero and restore some peace to the theater.
Finally, if all else fails, talk to the manager. This is a drastic measure, but it can be effective. Managers usually have no problem enforcing the no phone and no talking policies in the theater.
To all movie theater managers and employees: Don't be afraid to take action. Enforce the rules and ensure that everyone respects the theater environment. To all moviegoers: Please be considerate and put away your phones. And to the quieter moviegoers: Don't be afraid to speak up and shush those who are being disruptive.
A movie theater experience can be a wonderful thing. It's an opportunity to connect with others and share a love of film. Let's work together to make movie theaters great again.