going to the movies (neighborhood, theater, subway)

[straightshooter]

why, why, why does going to the movies have to be so unpleasant in the majority of theaters these days? people talking on cell phones, the incessant running commentary from the people sitting around you (including people who have already seen the film giving away key elements of the plot), the over-the-top reactions to a suspenseful scene (including ear-piercing screams during the scene and a continued barrage of reactionary explitives lasting up to 5 minutes after the scene is finished), and the disgusting disregard for one's surroundings by leaving candy wrappers, popcorn buckets, and soda cups strewn around. most would not act this way at their worst enemy's house. yet, they consider it acceptable in a public forum where we all are sharing an experience. i actually almost got into a fist-fight at the kings plaza theater b/c of my fellow patrons' savage behavior.

i seriously doubt that it used to be this way. when did it start and why? any thoughts?

[Jackson99]

A lack of respect of public space. Tailoring public space to fit the individual's experience (note the prevalence of ipods on the subway to see a benign expression of this) is the norm in contemporary city life. The movies is a place where people cannot differentiate between reality and tailored, artificial experience; not unlike their street life.

King's Plaza? What did you expect? You're lucky you didn't get shot.

[mhogan10010]

It seems to be an accepted cultural norm among some people groups to interact openly at the cinema. I however was surprised to find this in a WASPY and YUPPI neighborhood recently. Thank goodness it was a action film, so it didn't totally ruin the experience.
I agree that people seem to be less aware of their surroundings and how their behavior impacts those around them.

[briarwood]

Blame it on the liberalism that says nobody has to adhere to any proper norms. The 60s ****ed it all up.


And FYI, Kings Plaza is totally ghetto.

[straightshooter]

Originally Posted by briarwood

Blame it on the liberalism that says nobody has to adhere to any proper norms. The 60s ****ed it all up.


And FYI, Kings Plaza is totally ghetto.

true that. the 60's were an abortion. some good things obviously (and, yes, i'm talking about the civil rights movement, not 'the doors'), but all in all, i hate that decade. i've cracked up, reading peoples' comments about kings plaza. it truly is ghetto. i don't go there anymore, haven't since the bad experience at the theater.