movie theater

I used to love going to the movies. Now, I feel like I’m lucky to get through the opening credits without a cellphone going off or having the back of my seat kicked. And then there are those people who decide to talk over the movie, explaining plot lines to each other and making it impossible for the rest of the theater-goers to follow the action. It’s so distracting! Sometimes I wonder if I should skip the hassle and just rent the movie when it comes out on DVD so my husband and I can watch it at home without the aggravation.

To keep the peace, be mindful of these cinema etiquette pointers.

Show up on time. Don’t wait until the lights have gone down to find a seat. Not only does it interrupt the movie, but it means trampling over the poor audience members who actually bothered to show up on time. And for the sake of others (and yourself-why miss a key scene?), go to the bathroom before you take your seat so you don’t have to get up later.

Snack quietly. It’s one thing to munch on crunchy popcorn during the film. It’s another to bust out a four-course meal that you smuggled into your purse. I also find it distracting when people wait until the film has started to open up plastic-wrapped boxes of candy, which are particularly loud. Unwrap them before the show. Also, take care to avoid spills.

Zip your lip. The audience does not appreciate a running commentary of your opinions on the film. As soon as the trailers begin, it’s polite to curb all conversations. A friend of mine went to a movie (an art film at that!) and a fight nearly broke out because one woman kept describing the on-screen action to her boyfriend. It’s very rude. And if your companion starts talking to you, just politely nod and signal at them to keep it down.

Switch off the cellphone. Given the number of announcements about turning off phones, I’m always amazed at how many people still take calls halfway through a film. And no, switching to vibrate doesn’t count-vibrating phones and lit-up displays are just as distracting.

Watch your children. If I go to see a Pixar or Disney film, I expect to see lots of children. But an R-rated film? It’s a bit unsettling. If the film you’re seeing isn’t typical family fare, think twice about bringing the kids. Also, bringing a colicky baby or wild toddler won’t be fun for them, you, or any of the theater patrons. So many theaters offer kid and baby screenings, which I think creates a more suitable environment for the little ones to enjoy the show.

Be a good sitter. Some various pet peeves are people who take up multiple seats in a crowded theater for their coats and purses; people who kick the back of my seat; people who cough or sneeze without covering their face; and people who block my view by wearing a hat. Also, if the cinema is fairly empty, why sit in the seats directly in front of the people in the row behind you? Move over a seat or two so that you all can enjoy a better view.

By being considerate you’ll make the movie-going experience more enjoyable for everyone. Given the rising cost of tickets, it’s a shame for an evening at the cinema to be marred by unruly audience members. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!