Do I even have to list this out? When you are thrown in a large auditorium with strangers, after paying the same amount it costs to feed a family of 4 at Ruth Chris Steak House, there are bound to be issues.
Concession Cost– I learned a while back that the cost of a movie ticket isn’t the largest money maker for theaters. Apparently it’s the concession stand. That would be a huge reason your small, 64 ounce soda is $4.50. Below is my concession receipt. Now keep in mind I had a $5 coupon, the popcorn was free AND I had a free soda because of my birthday; yet my total was $17.10! $17.10!!
This should not cost this much. This literally forces one to smuggle snacks in and I make no apologies for doing so. Things I’ve smuggled include, but not limited to: a personal pizza, Starbucks, countless bottles of water and enough candy to bring Willy Wonka to his knees. I’ve even considered bringing popcorn but I’m a classy lady; and it has to end somewhere.
Unruly children– Though I love taking my sons to the movies, it’s often to an animated film. Animated films equal children and as we all know, many of those children are nightmares and should stay home. I blame the oblivious parent. By now, they are just a shell of a person and really can’t hear their kid whining about wanting a second helping of $5 cotton candy. That $5 cotton candy is 50% of the reason your kid is now bouncing off the walls. If you want to bring your kid(s) to the theater, fine. Just be prepared to excuse yourself or flat out leave the premises if they begin to act like a drunk, 10 beers into the night.
Tardiness– Unless you are going to the value theater to watch Hungers Games 1, DO NOT BE LATE!
“Well, the previews will take 20 minutes so if we show up 5 minutes after the movie starts, we will totally be fine.”
No, you won’t be fine because I will be shooting death looks at you when you walk in, tripping over everyone because you couldn’t get there on time. And don’t even be late with kids! There’s a reason why flights offer parents and children the opportunity to board first- because it’s a process getting kids situated! If we are going to be subjected to 20 minutes of B movie trailers, you are too.
To piggy back on this, don’t walk in 5 minutes before a highly anticipated movie starts, look around baffled, wondering why the only seats available are the 2 front rows.
“I can’t believe how filled the theater is! Honey, we’re 5 minutes early! Rogue 1 has been out for 4 days now!”Â
Talking during the movie– Sweet Jesus. I’m having a tough time even beginning this section as I am getting pissed just thinking about it.  Normally this ties in with the issue above regarding unruly kids who’s volume begins at normal level, all the way through decibels only dogs can hear. Additionally, if I’m going to see Divergent or Hunger Games, there’s always the groups of teens who try to asshole-out their friends by yelling smart ass things or trying to cause trouble with whomever is sitting in front of them; even if it’s a 75 year old woman.
Sometimes I’m that person sitting in front of them they are harassing. I’m at the point, I’ll politely tell them to be quiet. The second time around, I’ll verbalize my request again, but with a glare in my eye. The third time, they’ll leave the movie upset, based on what I whispered to them. I am a patience person but to a point.
I’m sure I left something off and I’m going to kick myself for doing so. Am I just becoming a cranky old lady or are these justified? Let me know your thoughts. Have you come to accept that Kit Kats cost the same as a Fit Bit?
I’m not a concessions person. If anything, I get a drink, but I’ve snuck snacks in many times, and a couple of starbucks drinks for my parents back in the day.
How about when someone in your vicinity constantly takes out their cell phone and looks at it…? Usually the ringer is off (thank jebus), but they don’t turn the brightness down, so they illuminate their entire self over and over, and it’s usually within your peripherals. It’s very distracting.
Then there is also the occasional old person who doesn’t really want to be there, falls asleep and proceeds to snore. If you don’t want to actually see the movie, stay home ya’ old fart!
And lastly, when you go see a comical movie and the person sitting directly behind you has a really obnoxious laugh. I just hate people in general, so going to the movies is not something I do very often…
Yes on the illuminated phone! Its like all eyes zero in on the person. Mine is usually a glare. The obnoxious laugh….oh that is huge, especially when it lasts longer than needs to be and about EVERYTHING! Drop a hat? Laugh. Breath? Laugh. Etc, etc. Oh Lord those are some good ones!
These are all reasons why I hardly ever go to see movies in the theatre. It’s CRAZY! The kid one reminds me of a church service I attended before Christmas: parents literally just sat there while their kids ran up and down between the pews, talking, laughing, being so loud I couldn’t even hear the speaker! WHAT!?! Serious disrespect there. I would have literally been dead on the floor. Dead on the floor with probably a hushed “only Jesus can save you now” (in English and German) before it happened
But I am going to the movies tomorrow. The family I work for gave me a “date night” ticket. 2 movie admissions, 2 drinks and a popcorn. I just have to show the ticket. So my best friend is driving to see me and we are going to go together. Hopefully I won’t have to make my own “pet peeves” post after! haha
Ah, that is sooo nice of them! What are you going to see? Man, they must be loaded! 2 tickets, drinks AND popcorn? Thats like $50. That was hilarious btw regarding Jesus saving you! Ha!!
Lol i dont think they are loaded – they jusy have money from the students who stay with them to cover all the money going out haha! And i think movie theatres make discounts for these tickets. But we are going to see sing!! I am so excited! ? And the jesus thing is 100% true haha
Did you like the movie? I thought it was pretty cute!
Haven’t gone yet! We are seeing it this afternoon 🙂
Ah man, I hope you love it!!! There are a TON of famous people in it.
I can’t wait!! My friend is on her way now! hehe We are going to have lunch and see the movie. It’s going to be a great day
You’re a cranky old lady!! Ha – I get very annoyed at all of the same things! Another one is parents bringing a new born or any age baby to a movie theater. I get that it may be tough to get a baby sitter, or trusting one perhaps, but come on. The baby is going to cry during a movie with loud sound effects, music, etc.
OK you know what? That is a hard no for me! You should NEVER bring any child under the age of two to the movie theaters. That would be like bringing a toddler into a fine China store. You just don’t do it.
Yep, I took Munch to see Sing and we spent $34
And they have honestly no concept I think of how much it costs. I’m sure your son loved it like mine did??
Nope. No concept. Great post idea though.
Another example my boys will never understand: I just let them know tonight the basement wouldn’t be finished anytime soon as our stellar homebuilders did a ghetto fabulous job on the house. It will now cost between $6k to $8k just to waterproof it. They’ll only see that we are the only family without a finished basement.