text:
Movie News
This is why the Alamo Drafthouse is the best theater in the world.
Ahoy, squirts! Quint here. One of these days the chains are going to catch on... or they're going to die out. It's getting to a point where I hate going to almost any theater that's not an Alamo Drafthouse... not because of the food, hell not even for the programming (which is awesome)... just for a regular theatrical experience. Good projection, but also an enforced no talking/texting policy.
They take it seriously and walk the walk, ejecting patrons that break policy without a refund. Sorry for the language, but fuck those assholes. Talkers/texters are a bigger threat to theatrical exhibition than piracy. I firmly believe that. Hell, to degree they enable piracy. Why run the risk of getting in a fight with some douche telling his girlfriend what he's doing (on the phone) during the movie or having a bright light flashed in your eyes as some dumbass airhead has to send an emergency OMFG to her bestest friend when you can just stay at home and watch a movie?
Enough of my soapbox preaching, but the lack of even basic theater etiquette today really pisses me off.
Check out the Alamo's newest No Talking PSA that'll play before movies (presumably R-rated movies) as a warning to other would-be rude assholes. They actually kicked out a female patron without a refund and she left an angry voicemail. They then turned that voicemail into this PSA. Enjoy!
Thank God for the Alamo, thank God for their sense of humor and thank Christ I don't have to worry about sitting next to this numb twat at their theater.
Follow Me On Twitter
Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
+ Expand All
June 6, 2011, 1:39 p.m. CST
So Awesome
by cobrakinte
June 6, 2011, 1:41 p.m. CST
This is great!
by sai_justin
June 6, 2011, 1:43 p.m. CST
by Smegmasaurus_Rex
The customer is not always right.
June 6, 2011, 1:44 p.m. CST
I would probably go to the theater more
by cobrakinte
if more theaters catered to people who actually came to see a movie instead of turning a blind eye to idiots who came to be idiots.
June 6, 2011, 1:44 p.m. CST
Thanks for treating me like a customer .... Classic
by Ian Meek
June 6, 2011, 1:44 p.m. CST
this is PURE awesome.
by ultragoregrind
I would give this theater every cent of my movie going money if i could.
June 6, 2011, 1:44 p.m. CST
don't get her started on Jimmy Dean sausage
by durhay
those bastards stopped making the 16 oz packages!
June 6, 2011, 1:45 p.m. CST
Wait a minute... THAT WAS MY MOM!!!!!
by Monkeybrains
I'm glad you kicked her out on her ass. She's a no good meth head and owes me $20 bucks for the pizza I bought her last week. <p> Suck it MOM...like you don't already.
June 6, 2011, 1:46 p.m. CST
by SagaciousPenguin
I hope my film gets to premiere in the Alamo at Fantastic Fest this September so that there will be NO TEXTING at the premiere!!
June 6, 2011, 1:47 p.m. CST
by vee dagama
Oh man, here in Belgium, no such policy i'm afraid. If you're not nauseous from the bucket of vomit , or "nachos with cheese" the person next to you is having, then it's the incessant "squeeky-squeek" from the straw in the soda cup. The times i have wanted to eagle punch some popped-collar-lamo-douchebag in the balls because of this ... Nvm the times people seemed intent on texting the whole picture to some other brainless fuckwit. Is this some new kind of retard piracy??? Texting the movie around...sheesh... ... ... Ok Quint, sorry, rant over, but again sir, you have produced a trés cool thing. I just reread your Spielberg interview for the nth time...i suggest to everybody EVERYBODY to read that magnificent piece of movie geekery. thx sir, you are this sites treasure!
June 6, 2011, 1:47 p.m. CST
Texters deserve death
by spicy-mag.com
Just saying...
June 6, 2011, 1:55 p.m. CST
And not a fuck was given that day.
by Dkev00
Yawn. Next!
June 6, 2011, 1:56 p.m. CST
by unkempt_sock
I went to the midnight screening of X-men and sat in one of the fancy theaters with nice leather seats. I spent like 12 bucks on my ticket. About a quarter of the way through the flick, some fucker starts texting in the row JUST below me. In the darkened theater it was just about blinding. Ruined the entire remainder of the film. Just because it doesn't make a NOISE doesn't mean it's not FUCKING RIDICULOUS. Ass.
June 6, 2011, 1:56 p.m. CST
AND NO @#$%ing plastic-wrapped snacks please!!
by MotherPussBucket
It's either selfconscious and lengthly crinklecracklecrinklecrackle trying to open the damn thing or a less surreptitious SCHLARUNCH as a big fuck you to anyone that isn't them. Grrrrrrrrrrrr.
June 6, 2011, 1:57 p.m. CST
Wait... Is it even legal to use somebody's voicemail message like this?
by StarWarsRedux
I don't have anything against texters. Callers, yes. Talkers, yes. Texters? Whatever. Frankly, the people running the Drafthouse do sound like assholes, especially for using this as an ad. I've never been to Austin, but now if I ever am, I won't go to that theater just because-- yeah, they DO sound like fuckin' assholes.
June 6, 2011, 1:57 p.m. CST
Texting has enhanced the theatrical experience
by Beezbo
Hear me out. The average person cannot go five minutes without talking. Before texting became prevalent, this meant people speaking on their phones or to each other. To me, texting is MUCH less annoying than talking in a theater. Is it ridiculous that the majority of audience members can't get through a feature film without communicating with others? Of course. But I'd rather people text than talk.
June 6, 2011, 1:58 p.m. CST
Totally agree!
by Carl XVI Gustaf
The best cineplex in town is unusable cause of people talking, screaming texting and what not. Have to watch the movies in smaller cinemas with crappier seats and less of a cinema experience. Some days I feel like I should move to Austin. Is it really the coolest place on Earth?
June 6, 2011, 1:59 p.m. CST
"I was using my phone as a flashlight"
by Samuel Fulmer
But then she says, "I was not aware that I couldn't text in your theater."
June 6, 2011, 2:02 p.m. CST
The Breathers!
by DeadPanWalking
I can't handle all the people who I can hear breathing. Can't they just hold it for the duration of the movie? Geesh.
June 6, 2011, 2:04 p.m. CST
To The "Snyder" person...
by THE TRUE PINBACK
I go to the theaters to see MOVIES...NOT to have some brain-dead moron shine his cell phone light in my eyes and distract me. If you and your ilk wanna use your phones, just stay the fuck home and play phone tag there and leave the movies to those of us who want to enjoy them and not be distracted by your thoughtless, juvenile phone antics. How fucking dumb are you anyway? Why waste money to see a film if all you're gonna do is sit and use your cel phone. Do everyone who loves movies a favor...STAY HOME!!!
June 6, 2011, 2:05 p.m. CST
It's a war.
by Some Dude
I once threatened to throw someone over the balcony for talking during a movie. God bless you, Alamo Drafthouse.
June 6, 2011, 2:05 p.m. CST
Perfect example of why cousins shouldn't marry!
by Mandolorian
Go and find a Tiffany concert at the mall, skank!
June 6, 2011, 2:06 p.m. CST
YES! THANK you Quint! Texters are pathetic in their inability to disconnect for an friggin' hour or two.
by Yotz Von Frelnik
I can't have a spotlight turned on this shitty behavior enough for my money. My feeling echo Quint's exactly, and I long for an enforced no tolerance rule in all movie theaters. It's PATHETIC that so many people are so addicted to keeping in touch 24/7, that they can't go two lousy effing hours cut-off from the outside world. If you don't have time to WATCH the movie, don't go TO the fucking movies!!!
June 6, 2011, 2:08 p.m. CST
by Mcabeast
Well, maybe if she arrived to the movie BEFORE it started she wouldn't have to use a flashlight to find her seat!!!
June 6, 2011, 2:09 p.m. CST
Silly bitch. Where do these people come from?
by Mr Nicholas
June 6, 2011, 2:10 p.m. CST
Tim League is DOG spelled backwards! Long Live the Alamo!
by The Reluctant Austinite
My God, this made my day. Sitting here in Louisville, KY, subject to some of the worst movie audiences on Earth, with nothing like the Alamo anywhere in sight, it just makes me appreciate my visits to Austin all that much more. In a perfect world, all theaters could be like the Alamo, but big chains can't afford the balls to be like the Alamo, let alone do something like this. It's likely that bimbo will sue the Alamo for using her voicemail to make her look like the brainless, vapid, self important waste of human flesh she is. She doesn't deserve a theater like the Alamo and I don't know why she didn't just check the latest Ashton Kutcher movie at the mall. I love the Alamo's individuality! Thank God they've got the balls to set these rules and actually enforce them. This almost makes up for all the films I've seen this year where I watched teens texting through 80% of the film.
June 6, 2011, 2:12 p.m. CST
by Bernie Margolis
This is why the only time I don't go to the Alamo Drafthouse is when that day's showings completely conflict with my schedule. I quit going to other theaters after some punk kid wanted to fight me because I asked him to step outside to talk on his phone. Yes, everyone does 'give a fuck.'
June 6, 2011, 2:12 p.m. CST
There's an Alamo Drafthouse in Virginia about a 25min drive from me. Best theater I ever been to me.
by MRJONZ72
It opened in Fall 2009..still cant for the life me fig out how there are all of these A.D in Texas then all of a sudden one in a somewhat country town in Virginia..must had some ties to here or something?! Oh and great add BTW!
June 6, 2011, 2:13 p.m. CST
Big chain theaters to start selling Flashlights
by Samuel Fulmer
For 70 dollars at the concession stand in case you come in after the movie starts.
June 6, 2011, 2:13 p.m. CST
An Open Message to Teen Texters:
by The Reluctant Austinite
Yes, we can see your glowing screens while you text. Even if you have your phone set to silence or vibrate. It's called "stadium seating". Everyone above you can see your phone when you yake it out. If you're using your phone to find your seat, then FUCK YOU! Learn to get to the theater on time. Ah, I'm wasting my breath.
June 6, 2011, 2:15 p.m. CST
Laser Pointer
by Jesse Kroh
I've often thought of taking a laser pointer to the theater with me just so I can put a big red dot on the screen of those that Text during movies. Or Tweet or whatever else they do on their smartphones instead of watching the movie.
I can't believe some people here are defending texting at all. I knew we lost this battle when seeing Alice in Wonderland 3 late teen girls in front of me texted for the entire first 20 minutes of the movie. All three of them, continually. I finally leaned up and said, "Pick the movie or the phone but not both" and one of them replied, "Uh, but we're tweeting our comments on the film to all our friends. Watching the old way is boring." WTF. These days I purposely buy peanut M&M's and when someone texts I ping them with one (or more). So far, twice someone has gotten up and complained and both times I replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, was my hobby of tossing M&M's at ignorant idiots distracting you from your texting during a movie? I can't believe you'd find that at all distracting." That was the end of it for both and in one case the rest of the theater clapped and told the idiot to sit down. Anyone who lacks the understanding that a bright white light in the middle of a pitch-black theater is a distraction doesn't deserve any sympathy.
June 6, 2011, 2:16 p.m. CST
That's horrible what they did to her. Are we to assume she's lying
by Anakin_Piecocker
or sometthing? she said she was using it as a flashlight and they kicked her out without a refund?
June 6, 2011, 2:17 p.m. CST
haha awesome. Add feet on the seat to that list and I'd be sold.
by ltgalloway
I can't believe some people here are defending texting at all. I knew we lost this battle when seeing Alice in Wonderland 3 late teen girls in front of me texted for the entire first 20 minutes of the movie. All three of them, continually. I finally leaned up and said, "Pick the movie or the phone but not both" and one of them replied, "Uh, but we're tweeting our comments on the film to all our friends. Watching the old way is boring." WTF. These days I purposely buy peanut M&M's and when someone texts I ping them with one (or more). So far, twice someone has gotten up and complained and both times I replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, was my hobby of tossing M&M's at ignorant idiots distracting you from your texting during a movie? I can't believe you'd find that at all distracting." That was the end of it for both and in one case the rest of the theater clapped and told the idiot to sit down. Anyone who lacks the understanding that a bright white light in the middle of a pitch-black theater is a distraction doesn't deserve any sympathy.
June 6, 2011, 2:17 p.m. CST
I don't see how posting this is illegal
by Samuel Fulmer
I thought it was only illegal in certain states when you record a conversation without telling someone that they are being recorded and then playing it for others (such as in a court of law). It's preaty obvious that if you are leaving a voice mail, you are being recorded....right?
June 6, 2011, 2:18 p.m. CST
I am a father of a almost 3 year old
by Dark Doom
and I would NEVER, NEVER take her to an adult movie-because she's a fucking baby! Who takes toddlers to movies? Here in NJ lots of stupid shits do!! Why? I dunno...
June 6, 2011, 2:19 p.m. CST
I went to that theatre
by seabiscuits
I was hight. Harry was there. Drew McWeeny too.
June 6, 2011, 2:19 p.m. CST
I'm guessing the irony of some of her statements is lost on her
by Yeti
Hope the little twat waffle loses her precioussssss phone. She'll probably slip into a catatonic stupor.
June 6, 2011, 2:20 p.m. CST
Let me guess, the Alamo Drafthouse is basically
by Nick
a bunce of guys like Devin Feraci standing around, talking to each other about stupid ass films no one has seen, while the customters wait in line waiting for them to do their jobs. Most of staff are over weight, and have bad beards, and are afraid to talk to a women if it doesn't include them puking over themselves. Everyone needs to shower, they smell like sausage links and sweat. They all drive shitty ass 1990 Cavaliers, and where Superhero shirts or "random" saying shirts under their musty burgandy overcoat....
June 6, 2011, 2:21 p.m. CST
I've noticed that after I punch a talker in the face and then stamp on her head.
by cookylamoo
Then, the twenty year old popcorn vendors have no trouble getting interested.
June 6, 2011, 2:22 p.m. CST
The only reason they kick people out, is because
by Nick
most fanboy internet hipsters are too scared to say anything to someone who is talking or using their phone. They just sit there annoyed, then complain about it after the film. If someone is using a phone, or talking, tell them to shut it. Simple as that. No need to get them kicked out... pathetic.
June 6, 2011, 2:23 p.m. CST
by SobchakSecurity
Original post I was going to make didn't like work right,all I can say I think this is a great idea,more theatres should do it,and people doing it pisses me the fuck off. I might move to Austin just for this. Oh and to agrajag27, if someone said that shit to me,least of all during a shitty movie like alice in wonderland, I would have ripped the phones out of there hands and smashed them on the floor. "Uh, but we're tweeting our comments on the film to all our friends. Watching the old way is boring." I would have flipped my fucking shit right then and there if someone said that to me. Ya know,that says alot about people and culture today and what exactly is what's wrong with it. Hmm,maybe we need to destroy twitter and facebook.
June 6, 2011, 2:23 p.m. CST
Fucking Awesome!!
by veritasses
June 6, 2011, 2:23 p.m. CST
You know what? They look like a douche bag place now.
by knowthyself
Really? They couldn't be more professional about this? I have less respect for them now.
June 6, 2011, 2:24 p.m. CST
As a former movie theater employee I applaud this.
by drewlicious
To be honest in certain movie theater chains in LA, my current residence, I totally understand why movie theater employees don't get involved. There is a serious risk of getting your ass kicked for enforcing policy. For minimum wage it is simply not worth it. Thankfully the San Fernando Valley has an Arclight now and the fact that hey offer 2D screenings of 3D films guarantees all of my future business. It is almost impossible to find a 2D screening of Thor at an AMC.
June 6, 2011, 2:24 p.m. CST
dark doom-Not sure who brings babies
by Samuel Fulmer
But when I saw Eyes Wide Shut back in 1999 some mother of the year brought three children that looked like they were around ten to the film.
June 6, 2011, 2:25 p.m. CST
"Texting has enhanced the theatrical experience"
by The Heathen
Well, that's got to be the dumbest thing I've read on the internet in almost a week. Wow. I guess bright lights going off and on (and often staying on) don't bother you, but when I pay $10 a ticket or more I want to watch a movie in silence and in the dark. If it's that important of a message, step around the corner or to the back if not out of the theater.
June 6, 2011, 2:26 p.m. CST
When I saw X-MEN this weekend someone was using their iPad in the theater…
by The Heathen
June 6, 2011, 2:27 p.m. CST
Every theater in the country should have this policy!
by Artemis Webb
June 6, 2011, 2:27 p.m. CST
my kinda cinema
by biscuithead
June 6, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
Not a suprise that 90% of you like this... since you guys have no reason to own a cell phone
by Nick
that would require you to have friends, or family that isn't ashamed of you, to call or text.
June 6, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
same deal in holland.
by The Fuck
Was sitting out Harry Potter, couple of those texters unavoidably shining their text screen in my eyesight. If it wasn't a full theater I would have flipped
June 6, 2011, 2:28 p.m. CST
by shady73
I agree with Quint that talkers/texters are more of a threat to theaters than movie piracy. I try to go to the movies a few times a month - but I try to go during non "peak" hours just to avoid the obnoxious, self indulgent "people" with no regard for others.
June 6, 2011, 2:30 p.m. CST
most theatres these days have a private texting room
by nobodycallsmcflyachicken
with viewing screens so they don't miss the action when the movie's worth turning an eye to it.
June 6, 2011, 2:31 p.m. CST
get with it alamo.
by nobodycallsmcflyachicken
June 6, 2011, 2:32 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
she came up with about 14 excuses as to why her phone was out. Inexcusable. She can go on all she wants about being in a free country and blah blah blah but when you are in a public establishment, you have to abide by their rules if you want to play the game. you don't want to get a rubdown before flying? take the bus. You want to see what your fucking friends status while you watch TREE OF LIFE? Fuck off and die.
June 6, 2011, 2:33 p.m. CST
I feel sorry for anybody that was her boyfriend
by thelordofhell
And if somebody who's reading this is actually her boyfriend now......FUCKING RUN!! GET AWAY FROM HER!! FUCKIN' BITCH WILL FUCKIN' HANG YOU!! RUN!! RUN!!
June 6, 2011, 2:34 p.m. CST
So fucking awesome! I wish that was the policy at the theater I was at last night for X-Men
by Zardoz
Right at the start of the movie, this douche in front of me starts texting, bright light in my face. I say, LOUDLY: "Turn off your fucking phone!" He says: (Angry black man) "You talk to me like that I'll fucking kill you! I'll do my fucking phone when I like!" Me, not wanting to make headlines and get killed in the movie theater, shuts the fuck up! (What I wanted to say was, "Oh, sorry! I didn't realize you were black!") But he doesn't stop and does it several more times during the movie. (I can also see others in the theater doing it throughout the movie, as well) The theater's packed and I want to see the damn movie, so I don't leave and I don't complain because I know it won't do any good, anyway. Why? Because no one on the theater staff monitors the theaters for cell/text offenders, leaving it to the customers to police the theater themselves. So we're DOUBLY inconvenienced: by the texting/talking douchebags and then having to leave the theater to complain to management. Over the years, I have had SO many problems with movie distractions: from Laser pointers (thank god that bullshit is over!) to screaming kids/babies in R-rated movies at 10pm on a Sunday night, to loud talkers, you name it! I'm always the one who complains and I'll probably be the guy that ends up with a meat thermometer in my neck or gets shot for it! (It really happened!) I actually bought a cell phone jammer, but I lost the charger when my car was stolen and I haven't replaced it yet! (That's gonna be at the top of my list!) I may move to Austin just to watch some movies in fucking peace! Oh, and to top it all off, the focus was off during the screening for the whole movie. I got a free pass for that afterwards, but fuck! Going to the movies is a fucking nightmare these days!
June 6, 2011, 2:35 p.m. CST
People behind me kept talking during Tree of Life last Saturday... Now I know I need to move to Austin!
by SifoDyasJr
Pure awesome.
June 6, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
I hardly ever go to a theater anymore.
by Kevin D
There's always someone like this stupid bitch texting and lighting up the entire damn theater with her cell phone light due to she can't actually WATCH THE DAMN MOVIE instead of texting stupid bullshit comments to her friends. I really don't know why most people will pay 10 bucks for a ticket and then stay on their phone the entire damn time. And everytime I try to be polite and ask people to shut their phone off or something as the light is bothering me if I'm setting behind them, I get a load of complete bullshit like this bitch in this glorious ad stated on her voice mail to Alamo Drafthouse. The closest thing that we've got in my neighborhood to a cool theater is the Grandin Theater but even there, the people who work there are douche bags and won't kick people out that can't cut their stupid cell phones off for the duration of the movie. So it's not really an option either. Thank our creator for blu-ray and hi-def TV's!
June 6, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
You want to text or talk on your phone? Don't blow $15 on a movie ticket.
by THE_CHOPPAH
June 6, 2011, 2:36 p.m. CST
I was the first to say it on /Film, lemme be the first to say it here
by D.Vader
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuumb Bitch.
June 6, 2011, 2:37 p.m. CST
Wish this was in EVERY theater!
by tightsofsteel
June 6, 2011, 2:37 p.m. CST
I won't even go to the movies anymore because of the texting
by JPX
Those little glowing cell phones fill me with murderous rage when I try to watch a movie. I find it every bit as distracting as talking. I rarely go to movies in the theater anymore unless it's during off times when I basically have the place to myself. It amazes me that ushers do absolutely nothing to clamp down on this behavior.
June 6, 2011, 2:39 p.m. CST
movie with friends
by longloaddropper
when i go see a movie - i do like to make the occasional sarcastic comment to a friend - - - always whispered of course - - - I find texting much more annoying than talking I guess - - -
June 6, 2011, 2:40 p.m. CST
Went to go see Attack of the Clones in 2002....
by Superponte
idiot behind me was TRANSLATING THE ENTIRE MOVIE, in Portuguese, to their friend. I asked them to stop. I was ignored. I went to front desk, they gave me a coupon for a free small popcorn. Some idiot was on his iPhone during a screening of Xmen this weekend. Same deal- theater did squat. Make an Alamo Drafthouse in Massachusetts...PLEASE!
June 6, 2011, 2:40 p.m. CST
"most theatres these days have a private texting room"
by D.Vader
That's the funniest thing I've read all day.
June 6, 2011, 2:40 p.m. CST
She should be humiliated.
by THE_CHOPPAH
There are consequences to your actions. Nice to see some adults in charge at a theater for once.
June 6, 2011, 2:40 p.m. CST
by Rob
http://bit.ly/jP7jdP Fucking awesome.
June 6, 2011, 2:41 p.m. CST
She was warned. TWICE.
by D.Vader
For those of you defending her.
June 6, 2011, 2:44 p.m. CST
"Private Texting Room"??? I've never heard of such a thing..thats a new one to me
by MRJONZ72
June 6, 2011, 2:45 p.m. CST
It's one thing if you're an emergency worker or a doctor on call to have your phone at the ready.
by THE_CHOPPAH
June 6, 2011, 2:46 p.m. CST
I had a couple bring in their baby to Children of Men
by Rob
front row, stroller in front of them while this movie is blasting. Left 45 minutes in after Julianne Moore got shot in the head. WTF did they think was gonna happen?
June 6, 2011, 2:46 p.m. CST
Forget 3-D and IMAX, I would pay $5 extra for the following:
by SifoDyasJr
A theater free of cell phone screens No talking. An occasional whisper is permitted every so often. Whenever someone kicks the back of my seat, a strong electric current gives a painful shock to the kickee.
June 6, 2011, 2:48 p.m. CST
Perfect. Shut up, watch the movie or fuck off.
by GINGE_MUPPET
Fucking people who live life through a phone ... cretins.
June 6, 2011, 2:48 p.m. CST
I send
by macheesmo3
and recieve around 200+ txt's a day, yet I can find the friggin self control (somehow...) to stow the damn thing for 2 hours while I watch a movie. Why the FUCK is it that some of you are defending her like she's a "victim". It's a policy of a private establishment. They made the rule, she broke it, she paid the consequences. I swear to god some of you are entitled little brats who need the everloving crap kicked out of you......
June 6, 2011, 2:49 p.m. CST
Popcorn is a sacrosanct tradition, but otherwise I tolerate no salivating or masticating...
by THE_CHOPPAH
in my presence when I watch a movie. It is permitted to eat with television, but not with a full length theatrical release.
June 6, 2011, 2:49 p.m. CST
by Xionsmith
The Alamo has been using that one since the ATHF movie came out pretty much. Any not just at the late shows. They have a ALOT of Don't Talk bumper. You should take a min and do a search for them. Some are pretty fucking great.
June 6, 2011, 2:50 p.m. CST
Don't think I'd risk taking my kids there... little buggers talk a lot.
by impossibledreamers
Then, I'd be out all of that ticket money...
June 6, 2011, 2:51 p.m. CST
by macheesmo3
my local theater ( The Grand Theatre chain) has started having an employee give a speech about zero tolerance for cell phones before every film and usually it gets a cheer from the older folks in the audience and a groan from the kids, so far only one person has been tossed from what I've seen. It doesn't take much effort to ignore your phone for a couple of hours does it?
June 6, 2011, 2:57 p.m. CST
Texters in theaters dont bother me cause
by cinematt
when i go to my local theater, i talk to my buddy who works there, Joey Bagadonuts and he lets me into the employee break room for about twenty minutes where I light up some fucking killer weed and blaze myself right the fuck outta my mind. Then he leads me to my seat in the theater, where I sit quietly, stoned and oblivious to everything, occassionally sipping on my diet coke, and not knowing what the hells going on around me for two hours. Texters? What texters? What was X Men about again, I cant remember, its kinda fuzzy...
June 6, 2011, 2:58 p.m. CST
Bad behavior will be the death of cinema if left to continue...
by spidar40
I have loved the movie experience ever since my first screening of JAWS at the tender age of 10. Since then, the movies and the theater venues have always held a sort of escapist magic to me as well as others. Unfortunately, in the last several years i have witnessed the decline in simple theater manners and the big theater chains apathy concerning this. Very interesting how the smaller, independent theaters back in the 70's would always have ushers working the aisles, helping people find seats and throwing OUT people with bad theater etiquete. The big chains had better listen to these complaints as they are universal. I, for one, have started to go to the theater less and less, opting to stay home and watch a movie in a more controlled environment, which is a damn shame....i miss the way things once were.
June 6, 2011, 3 p.m. CST
Thank you Alamo Drafthouse!
by Kevin Abeyta
I don't even live in Austin but every time I am in town I make it a point to visit the Alamo Drafthouse because you care about the movie going experience. Thank you guys.
June 6, 2011, 3:01 p.m. CST
Now Hold On A Minute....
by Ray Gamma
Surely the response to this should be: if you wanna sit in a COMPLETELY SILENT room in PITCH DARKNESS and enjoy a movie WITHOUT BEING DISTRACTED AT ALL BY STRANGERS MAKING NOISES, MOVING AROUND, RUSTLING PACKETS OF CANDY OR LIGHTING UP PHONE SCREENS.......... THEN STAY THE FUCK AT HOME TO WATCH YOUR MOVIES. After all, a cinema theater is a BIG FUCKING ROOM FULL OF PEOPLE.
June 6, 2011, 3:01 p.m. CST
Something else that sucks is commercials before the trailers.
by F-18
I don't go to the theater to see a fucking car commercial and a National Guard recruitment music video starring 3 Doors Down. Though my last two theater visits, there were no commercials. At showtime, the trailers started, then the movie after. I don't know why that was, but I was suprised.
June 6, 2011, 3:04 p.m. CST
by Xionsmith
The Alamo Drafthouse do not allow children under 6 into the theater, except on certain weekdays for Baby Day screenings.
June 6, 2011, 3:05 p.m. CST
What. A. . . . .
by DrMorbius
". . . you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater."
June 6, 2011, 3:06 p.m. CST
yeah the commercials
by macheesmo3
are horseshit. I am PAYING for the damn movie, i oughts not be diluged with advertising. You wanna make people happy? Only play commercials before 3D movies , but don't charge extra for the glasses.
June 6, 2011, 3:07 p.m. CST
by Xionsmith
They have that as one of the don't talk bumpers too =)
June 6, 2011, 3:08 p.m. CST
ray gamma
by THE_CHOPPAH
I don't know about you, but my houses are always bursting with life, bustle and activity. So, yeah, if I want to watch a movie in a dark room with near-silence (other than screams, gasps, and laughs) I will go to a goddamn theater. That's the experience I pay for. Your abode, however, is always dark, lonely and silent, so going to a theater full of teenagers sexting and throwing popcorn at each other is probably your idea of an exciting night. CHOPPED.
June 6, 2011, 3:08 p.m. CST
we need some of that shit in nyc
by Vin
Sick and fucking tired of morons texting, talking and just being assclowns.
June 6, 2011, 3:10 p.m. CST
For those who think texting is actually "ok"
by SchwarzenGollum
Texting is not a suitable replacement to talking. From my experiences here in Southern California/Ventura County area, the typical person who texts is also likely to talk as well. It's not the action of texting that bothers anyone - it's the fact that your cell phone is a bright-lighted eye magnet that drives our attention away from the screen. Ever try watching a movie at home in a dark room with your computer monitor on behind you? It leaves a giant bright light reflecting on the screen that makes your focus on it rather than the actual movie. It's a distraction - plain and simple.
June 6, 2011, 3:12 p.m. CST
I might move to Austin just to go there and give them my money
by Andrew Coleman
I have declared a personal war against ass holes in movie theaters. I treat people who text or even worse talk on cell phones in theaters as if they were demons from hell. Props to this theater.
June 6, 2011, 3:13 p.m. CST
by SchwarzenGollum
Not a day goes by where I don't regret turning around and telling that fat, middle-aged bitch to "shut the f**k up!" while she was talking throughout the last 1/2 of "Battle: Los Angeles." At first, I thought she was just talking and laughing because she thought the dialogue was nerdy and cheesy, or that she thought the movie was lame and un-engrossing, but at the end she started telling all the people she was with that she "loved it!" Then why the f**k are you talking and laughing at the parts that weren't meant to be laughed at?
June 6, 2011, 3:14 p.m. CST
I lived in San Antonio...
by TDH1138
... from Oct 2005 to June 2009 and the ONLY THING that kept me and the wife sane was our weekly (sometimes twice weekly) visits to the Alamo Drafthouse in Westlakes. LOVED THAT PLACE!!! Great food, great staff! It's the only thing I miss about our time in Purgatory... um, I mean Texas.
June 6, 2011, 3:15 p.m. CST
Grrrr, lastly....
by SchwarzenGollum
Movies are imagination "escapes" from real life (most of the time, unless it's Oscar season and we're seeing real-life depression-based films). Why would YOU pay money to sit in a theater and spend a good chunk of the time with your eyes in your phone?
June 6, 2011, 3:15 p.m. CST
Pure Comedy Gold
by GeneralKael
The total lack of courtesy today is astounding. Too many people, like this person, seem to feel that they have a right to do whatever they want anywhere they want and everyone who doesn't like it can go screw themselves. If they find out there are actually rules and they are held accountable they act like their rights are being violated. It reminds me of that line in Liar Liar when the guy is caught breaking and entering for the upteenth time and asks for legal advice and Jim Carry says "STOP BREAKING THE LAW ASSHOLE!". This girl seems genuinely shocked that there are rules and she was held to account. Just out of curiosity, could someone post photos of the warning signs that are posted at the Drafthouse theatres?
June 6, 2011, 3:18 p.m. CST
The Civil War was fought over this
by Samuel Fulmer
The South wanted to allow texting in theaters, and the North didn't. I think they made a movie about this with Denzel and Ferris Beueller and strategic guest star Morgan Freeman.
June 6, 2011, 3:23 p.m. CST
One of my ex-wives told me about a time at a theater in which she was trying to kill an afternoon with some crap movie.
by THE_CHOPPAH
She actually ended up getting absorbed in it, despite its crappiness, but some guy a couple rows down from her, one of the three or four other people in the entire theater, starts talking on his phone with 10 minutes left in the movie. Then, when the movie finally ends and the credits roll, the asshole had the balls to tell the person he was talking to: "Okay, the movie's over. Gotta go."
June 6, 2011, 3:24 p.m. CST
Love it
by donkingkong
Texters and people that blab through movies need to git the fuck out of the theater
June 6, 2011, 3:26 p.m. CST
What if I want to cook during a movie
by Samuel Fulmer
Set up a table, a flash light to see, a cutting board, and a crockpot. Oh and the ingrediants of course.
June 6, 2011, 3:27 p.m. CST
I'd like to bring a glow in the dark frisbee to the theater
by Samuel Fulmer
Maybe throw it to other audience members every five minutes or so.
June 6, 2011, 3:29 p.m. CST
No texting guys, I'm trying to absorb Pirates of the Carribean!!!!!! Christ sake, get the fuck over yourselfs already.
by Nick
Glad to see this social cause get's you guys going!!! Bravo youngings... texters vs film geeks... the new social crisis.
June 6, 2011, 3:29 p.m. CST
Can I bring in a vintage Dig Dug machine
by Samuel Fulmer
Put it in the very front row with the screen facing towards the audience and the sound cranked up full blast so they can see me achieve a world record Dig Dug score. Or maybe a Mortal Kombat II machine so everytime something funny happens during the movie I can have Scorpion say "get over here."
June 6, 2011, 3:29 p.m. CST
Just wondering...
by GeneralKael
In Canada theatres for quite some time have a quick blurb before the movie starts asking people to turn off their cellphones and other devices and to be courteous to others(there is a picture of a person with their finger to their lips and a Shhh!). Do they have this in the USA before movies start?
June 6, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
I could see a flashlight-phone being more annoying than someone texting.
by Tigger Tales
They should take peoples' phones and put them in a black bag filled with water.
June 6, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
Should've taken the bitch out to the carpark and shot her in the face.
by HarryBlackPotter
Only joking. Should have chopped her fingers off so she couldn't TEXT ever again. The stupid cunt.
June 6, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
I have sex in the middle of the theater
by D.Vader
No one has complained yet.
June 6, 2011, 3:33 p.m. CST
People supporting texting or talking in the movie theater...
by Nordling
should leave this site, and never come back. I'm fine with people putting their phone on vibrate if there's an emergency, if they leave the theater and take the conversation outside. People have kids. But if you text? You're a fucking asshole. Own up to your assholery and get the fuck out.
June 6, 2011, 3:33 p.m. CST
kaelomont-We do
by Samuel Fulmer
But usually the people doing the wrong activity are the types that yell lawsuit at anyone and anything so basically no one that works at the big chain theaters will do anything.
June 6, 2011, 3:33 p.m. CST
That's how it needs to be ...
by Darth Valinorean
Amen to the Alamo!!!
June 6, 2011, 3:34 p.m. CST
d.vader ... that's because people are stunned that you would bang you Yellow Lab in public
by Nick
June 6, 2011, 3:34 p.m. CST
That voicemail...
by darthsynn
sums up everything that is wrong with this country. People like that cunt are the reason I have been to a theater only four times in the last three years.
June 6, 2011, 3:35 p.m. CST
Texters, talkers etc. are awful. You know what also sucks?
by pikazerox
Assholes who show up to an opening weekend sold out showing, just before the previews end, and expect a good seat. This particular problem affected us during a sold out X-Men First Class on Saturday, loads of these chuckleheads showing up right before the movie starts and demanding the assistant manager to show them to nice seats in the upper rows. I'm there with my wife and a good friend, we arrived at the theater an hour before the movie starts, we're first in the queue and we get first pick of seats. We're in the theater, asses planted firmly for a good half-hour, and then the previews start. At which time my wife and friend go to the bathroom so they won't during the movie. Tell me why this dipshit assistant manager sneaks up to my row during the previews, and then proceeds to seat two of these assholes in my wife and friends seat. I'm horrified, and told I'm not allowed to save seats. Are you fucking serious? This dumbass saw my wife and friend seated there the entire time, are we not allowed to go to the bathroom? Naturally my wife and friend came back as soon as it happened, and it escalated into the assistant getting reamed by the real manager, rightfully so. We ended up not seeing that showing, but we did get a few free passes and first pick of seats at the next showing a little while later. Things ultimately worked out in our favor, but this never should have happened in the first place. Sold out shows are never truly sold out, that's why the front rows are always empty. Guess what? That's where you late fuckers are supposed to go on opening weekend. You don't deserve premium seats for being late.
June 6, 2011, 3:36 p.m. CST
Natalie Portman
by D.Vader
This is a movie site. The ONLY social cause we care about are the ones that involve movies and or the theaters.
June 6, 2011, 3:36 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
where do you movie in houston? just the alamo?
When I first met Harry in Austin, the site was only a couple of years old and Quint was still kind of a kid! He was a kid who inherited the Greatest Job on Earth for a film geek and he didn't even know it. I've wasted the better part of 10 years trying to figure out how to break into the world of writing about/ for film, and I've done a small share of it, but during that time I've continued to read AICN even in times when I thought it could be/should be better than it was if only because I loved it so much. AICN is probably still one of the best film geek sites out there in spite of how many film geek sites have popped up over the ensuing 15 years, and I want it to stay hungry and not get too content so I can contine to read pieces like this. I've stuck around to watch Eric/Quint grow as a writer here and professionally in Hollywood, and it is with much satisfaction that I can say this might be his best interview yet. The joy of AICN is that the writers, just like the readers, are only one step away from Chris Farley, but can keep their enthusiasm in control long enough to get the job done. I'd much rather read something from someone who really loves film than from someone just trying to get paid and meet celebrities. Please let Quint continue with more like this!
June 6, 2011, 3:38 p.m. CST
by D.Vader
Yellow Labia is right. Asian chicks are amazing.
June 6, 2011, 3:38 p.m. CST
Nordling, stop acting like Devin Feraci, telling people to leave is they disagree with you... you're better then that fat troll
by Nick
June 6, 2011, 3:39 p.m. CST
i feel like an old man saying this.....
by Martin Hogg
but i am sick of kids talking in the cinema.....and throwing popcorn and all the other shit that ignorant little chavs pull. The sad truth is that in the UK, the theatre staff are probably too scared to ask them to stop. One day....when i win the lottery, i'm heading straight to Austin to the Alamo Drafthouse. Does Austin have an airport? Whats the most direct way to get there?
June 6, 2011, 3:40 p.m. CST
Some thoughts
by HansBubi
Some posters have brought up their frustration toward commercials being shown (before movie trailers). I definitely think the commercials contribute to the breakdown of the theater experience being different than home movie viewing. A lot of people seem to quietly or loudly chat during the commercials because...they are commercials. I bet many of us (film lovers) don't sit in the theater giving the commercials are full attention. Now, when the trailers begin, it's a different story. However, a lot of people (especially the younger generation) seem to struggle with the transition from watching commercials like they're at home to "now we need to shut up and act like we're at an event with people that we paid money to attend." I've noticed over the years that more and more people are talking and texting during the trailers, and this has spilled over during the actual movie.
June 6, 2011, 3:41 p.m. CST
Depends, choppah
by Nordling
Press screenings are all over the city, which is murder on the gas tank, let me tell you. But I try to go Alamo whenever I can. Thing about press screenings - the security straight up tell you if they see a phone light come on they'll take your ass out, no exceptions. I guess people listen more to guys with detector wands and suits than theater employees or audience members, because I don't normally have that problem. Honestly, it's rare I run into that whenever I see a movie that's not a press screening. My big beef is with dim projection than it is with texting teens - but I tend to go a lot early Saturday morning, when it's not as crowded.
June 6, 2011, 3:41 p.m. CST
I noticed you capitalized the "G" in God. Twice.
by ravenloff
How's that working out for you?
June 6, 2011, 3:43 p.m. CST
by Anakin_Piecocker
I've gotten a rub down before flying. But at this certain theatre, the alamo drafthouse, they serve pizza and beer and people have much comfort zone with seating and sometimes during certain movies, shout crazy sayings at the screen. but i wouldn't like a texter either if the light was very visible, kept low no probs.
June 6, 2011, 3:43 p.m. CST
So I'm sitting in the theater, and my phone vibrates. I now
by Nick
get up, and force 15 or so people to get up or move out the way so i can quick check in in the lobby? Then go back in, and disrupt all those people again? Makes sense, in texas I guess....
June 6, 2011, 3:44 p.m. CST
by wierdo27
Your name bugs the shit out of me. What the fuck is wrong with you?
June 6, 2011, 3:45 p.m. CST
they even type in their laptops while they sit there
by Anakin_Piecocker
June 6, 2011, 3:45 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
As our Lord's Hand, I have a responsibility to answer his calls with great immediacy. Often too must I respond to an emergency at mine brothel.
June 6, 2011, 3:46 p.m. CST
Farady cage all theaters I say!
by Alphanumeric1971
That way NO one would get any signal in the theater.
June 6, 2011, 3:47 p.m. CST
ari_gold - texting
by pikazerox
That's probably okay if you're in the very last row, and nobody is sitting next to you. Then I'd just ask why you're texting during a movie, after spending these horribly inflated prices on a ticket. Sounds like a waste.
June 6, 2011, 3:48 p.m. CST
wierdo27... I'm Hmong... we eat afterbirth... it's good for you
by Nick
June 6, 2011, 3:49 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
agreed. Morning shows are the best..cheaper and not as crowded. I hit the Alamo as much as possible. Nothing like seeing Godfather on father's day that fer sure. What part of town are you in? I really can't remember the last time i went to a night showing. I would love to have a KILL BILL: WHOLE BLOODY AFFAIR screening. hint hint
June 6, 2011, 3:51 p.m. CST
by Nordling
I'm hosting the CREEPSHOW screening the night before. I was going to do THE GODFATHER one but I deferred to more experienced hands on that one. If you come to the CREEPSHOW screening let me know. Also, we're serving Father's Day cake!
June 6, 2011, 3:52 p.m. CST
Good for you, Alamo Drafthouse!
by TheNothing
There's also a theater here in Tempe that keeps a CSR in each of the big rooms. They make announcements beforehand about the movie and emphasize the no-phone stuff, stating specifically that anyone who has a problem can talk to the CSR and get it resolved immediately. For that reason, I rarely go anywhere else. And to those here that actually DEFEND talk/texting morons, I'm going to travel back in time and give your mothers a pamphlet about contraception.
June 6, 2011, 3:52 p.m. CST
by poonhead
ASTRON-6 supports this. Also - can't wait to see Father's Day screen @ The Alamo!
June 6, 2011, 3:53 p.m. CST
It's all about the theater you go to...
by wierdo27
Living in LA has me spoiled for Arclight, and folks in Hollywood generally are into the moviegoing experience- which is why many of them are there. If people want to go to a theater and hang with their friends and text and talk and shit, fine, go to a theater where they don't give a shit. For my money, it's worth it to ME to go to a theater where others around me are of the same mindset. Mostly, it's the shitty multiplexes that have the most issues... Sometimes, you WANT a rowdy audience- I saw Black Dynamite in Oakland at midnight - and the crowd was YELLING at the screen. It was fun as shit! But I guarantee no one was texting or talking, but they were laughing... But when I want to see a movie and pay close attention - Arclight or Sundance Cinemas. Kudos to the Drafthouse. If you don't like it, STAY AWAY!! Better for you. Better for them! Everyone's happy.
June 6, 2011, 3:55 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
You got a date baby!
June 6, 2011, 3:56 p.m. CST
Cell phone blockers
by HansBubi
Does anyone here actually use one when you're at a movie theater? A year or so ago I first learned of this available-to-normal-consumers contraption, but I also quickly learned they are expensive (I remember one costing at least $150). I also know they are illegal in my state. However, for most people the pros outweigh the cons. Does anyone actually use one? Does it work? Do people make a commotion in the theater? I'm seriously curious to hear more about this.
June 6, 2011, 3:56 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
As well as the royal taster to ensure your cake is worthy of touching Our Lord's tongue.
June 6, 2011, 4:03 p.m. CST
Best thing I've ever heard on a cell phone in a theater.
by The Reluctant Austinite
Guy's phone rings. He answer's it, " 'Sup." Pause. "Nuttin', dog. Just sitting here watchin' dis movie. 'Sup wit chu?"
June 6, 2011, 4:09 p.m. CST
It's so cute that Choppah and Nerdling are text buddies now.
by cookylamoo
Like Sam Malone and Diane, their little spats led to love.
June 6, 2011, 4:09 p.m. CST
Hand! Did you get a load of Hodor last night?
by THE_CHOPPAH
He makes Anthony Weiner look like Peter Dinklage, if you know what I mean ...
June 6, 2011, 4:16 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
'Twas a mighty weisswurst that hangs from his loins!
June 6, 2011, 4:17 p.m. CST
by Dealer
It's ridiculous to defend texters in the theater, it happens a lot here in Austin. The light from a cell phone in a dark theater is VERY distracting! I personally don't think they do enough but Alamo is by far better than any chain theater in town and they do it with a sense of humor. Honestly, who wants to sit next to that chic in the theater anyways.
June 6, 2011, 4:18 p.m. CST
by heyscot
IT IS A GREAT DAY FOR AICN!!!!! I wish every theater did this!
June 6, 2011, 4:22 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
June 6, 2011, 4:23 p.m. CST
Actually, it depends on the movie.
by cookylamoo
Like Mystery Science Theater proves, there are some movies that are BETTER with audience participation. Do you really want to watch SHAFT without people yelling "Go Shaft"
June 6, 2011, 4:25 p.m. CST
There's audience participation.
by THE_CHOPPAH
And then there's dumb teenage cunts doing their best Anthony Weiner impression.
June 6, 2011, 4:27 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
"Slurp, slurp, slurp"
June 6, 2011, 4:29 p.m. CST
Best thing I ever heard at a theater:
by THE_CHOPPAH
Some autistic kid freaking out and screaming while running up and down the aisles. Why was that good? It interrupted a screening FRED CLAUS.* *The things CHOPPAH does for love ...
June 6, 2011, 4:29 p.m. CST
Don't MESS with TEXAS!
by Mariusz
Gotta love it! I'm in Los Angeles, but I wish we adapted that attitude 'cause there's more than a handful of dumb bitches like that out here. Cheers to the Alamo Drafthouse! Amen.
June 6, 2011, 4:31 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
June 6, 2011, 4:35 p.m. CST
by Nick Michalak
Dudeness, that's awesome! People need a kick in the ass, and if you can't follow the rules (or even pay attention when the rules are plastered all over that big ass screen that you paid to sit in front of and WATCH), then SCREW YOU! I never understood, either, why people get up in the middle of a movie. It's ridiculous. Goto the restroom BEFORE the movie! Do you really need to get MORE food? Why didn't you get more before the movie? What? That extra large soda wasn't enough for you? C'mon! You know, it's SUPPOSED TO BE DARK IN A THEATRE! Can we just ban stupid people altogether from the cinemas? Is there a way to do that? The talkers, the texters, the mouth breathers, the dumbass who has to constantly get the plot explained to him every two minutes, and the generally annoying idiots? They impede my theatre going experiences. Also, can they PLEASE crank up the damn volume?! This is supposed to be DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND! Why don't I ever hear anything but the front most speakers in the cinema? I definitely get better sound at home, and I don't even have DTS or a subwoofer! Okay, end rant here.
June 6, 2011, 4:38 p.m. CST
by Continentalop
I take off from this sight for awhile and not only is there a guy called the_choppah who seems to be the new DGDG, but also the_hand_of_the_choppah?!? This place is a madhouse. A madhouse!!
June 6, 2011, 4:38 p.m. CST
Okay, I admit
by dagwood
that truly is one of the best things I've ever seen (or heard). I had one of my films play at the Alamo during SXSW and I loved it. BUT Now I love it even more. Good work. Spread the word.
June 6, 2011, 4:41 p.m. CST
The only thing that can compare to this
by Continentalop
Is when the guy was tripping during 2001 at the Egyptian Theater is my town of Hollywood. "Hide your drugs! You, fat man, hide your drugs!" Epic.
June 6, 2011, 4:44 p.m. CST
by bcom77
In New Zealand, this is enforced by most cinemas. Get caught texting or talking and you're gone. Plus, if you don't get caught by cinema staff then you run the risk of having your teeth puched out by the hundred or so other people in the theatre who hear/see you doing it. Luckily, we're a country where 99.9% of the movie going public agree with this policy. I lived in the UK for a few years and couldn't believe how bad it is over there. I remember watching 300 at a cinema and a guy spent 3/4 of the film having a argument over the phone and no one said a word. What are people like this thinking?
June 6, 2011, 4:44 p.m. CST
My worst theater going experience:
by HerbWestAustin
At a Regal Cinema for the movie The Strangers, I came late and had to sit in the second to front row on the very left side of the theater. It was a Friday night and every high-schooler was there texting and not even watching the movie. On top of that, there were two black girls in the row in front of me that had brought Popeyes fried chicken for themselves. When they were done eating, they threw the containers on the floor like it was nothing.
June 6, 2011, 4:44 p.m. CST
Love it!
by Shaun1138
June 6, 2011, 4:45 p.m. CST
Was this Miss Georgia by any chance?
by HapaPapa72
Remember that pretty little U.S. American girl? God why can't all theaters be like this. Awesome.
June 6, 2011, 4:47 p.m. CST
Twinkle, Twinkle, Killer continentalop.
by THE_CHOPPAH
Hey, don't complain, pal. You're the one who checked yourself in. Now get in the corner and prepare for the hose.
June 6, 2011, 4:47 p.m. CST
Worst theater going experience for me was in '97
by Continentalop
When I was at the Silent Movie Theater to watch Sunrise, and a gunman came in and killed the owner, shot the cashier girl, than ran through the theater shooting over everyone's head.
June 6, 2011, 4:48 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
'Tis good and warms mine heart to see you, old friend and valiant knight! I hope you will stay, and grace these halls with your noble presence. Your contribution willst restore glory to House Knowles. As enticement, I shall send many whores for your evening pleasure.
June 6, 2011, 4:51 p.m. CST
You get points choppah
by Continentalop
Just for making a reference to THE NINTH CONFIGURATION. "I know my rights, I demand to see my urologist."
June 6, 2011, 4:52 p.m. CST
by BSB
Your post was just begging for this link. Watch it now. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8pyW6w5B7Aw#t=20s
June 6, 2011, 5 p.m. CST
Alamo Drafthouse
by Dealer
If you don't live in Austin and you get a chance to come to town I can not recommend the Alamo enough. Over all it's just a great movie going experience. Nothing like a nice cold beer during the movie.
June 6, 2011, 5:03 p.m. CST
Two extreme sides of the fence as always.
by mrmannn1
The ones who are for this, usually tend to sound angry and write rude or aggressive comments that sometimes inspire violence. The ones who aren't for this policy, appear to be jerks as well in their writing, and stereotyping of those who are for this. Can't we find a middle ground for once? I'm more for this than against it, as the bright Iphone/cell phone lights are annoying, but I'm not against anyone texting as long as they make an attempt to block the light. Shit happens in life, and sometimes, even the most decent people need to have their phones on while watching a movie, and many of them set it to vibrate to be polite. However, I still don't mind a policy like this, as long as it's enforced in a polite and professional manner. If a theater is going to have rules, then they need to make them clear for every customer, and not keep it as some unsaid aggreement. Write the rules in big letters on the outside of the theater, on some of the doors, and even have a little screen caption of it as well. That's the polite way to go about it. Yes, as bad as stereotyping is, most of it is true, so yes, many of these enforcers are likely exactly as we picture them to be, as are the texters/talkers/annoying pricks. Texting I don't have much issue with, but everything else should be enforced. As for the comments about nobody being brave enough in other theaters to enforce this, well I agree, but there's not much to be done. The U.S has more people and more guns than anywhere else, and the last time I read about a man asking someone to get off his phone during a movie, the man on the phone SHOT the other guy in the leg. The man who was shot was sitting with his family, and was annoyed at the loud talker. People are psycho today, so it's not always easy to ask someone to stop talking, even in a polite way, because there's always this risk. If not being shot, then being beaten up, or beaten up while leaving the cinema. The world is turning to shit unfortunately. I'd love to see what the Arclight is like though!
June 6, 2011, 5:07 p.m. CST
by jorson28
'Never been to Austin or the Drafthouse, but... AMEN! And congrats to the Drafthouse for enforcing rules that favor those that came to actually enjoy a movie. Still, listening to that message, I had to wonder... with all those four-letter words and grammatical mishaps, are you sure she's not one of the usual Talkbackers (or even a contributor)? She definitely talks like it. Otherwise... Great story about what must be a really great theater.
June 6, 2011, 5:18 p.m. CST
I don't want to be violent anymore
by Collin
I went to a midnight screening of Final Fantasy (Please forgive me I was 21) and was seated directly in front of a couple who brought their 1 year old baby to the screening. It took about 10 minutes for the baby to realize this was a dumb idea and start crying for release. I made several attempts at courtesy with the clearing of the throat move accompanied by turning of the head before moving on to the very polite "Pardon me but would you mind taking your baby to the lobby if it continues crying" Gentleman stands up with baby in arms and girlfriend/wife at side and proceeds to inform me that he "will fuck my nigga ass up" if I keep telling him shit and that I should come to the lobby myself if I want him to do shit. All the while pushing his finger against my forehead (hard) and pushing my head back. This went on for about 3 minutes while the baby was still in his arms and an usher stood across the theater at the opposite entrance. I quietly informed him, not quite so politely as before, that I would be seeing him in the lobby and he would be well advised to give the baby over to someone else because I wouldn't hesitate for the protection of the child another time. He left the aisle and proceeded to the lobby with me only moments behind him. I let the usher know that I would be returning shortly to get a full refund. When I made it to the lobby the father was nowhere to be found. It only took a moment for me to get out there and to this day I'm not sure where the gentleman fled to when he realized I was not the person to acquiesce to his threats. I haven't gone back to that theater again but it has spoiled me on many other theaters. Every time I feel the need to tell someone to be quiet (which has happened at the Alamo as well, they can't always be aware) it immediately puts me into a high tension mode. That's bad for the talker, texter, theater, and myself.
June 6, 2011, 5:20 p.m. CST
The next time this happens, they shouldn't kick the person out.
by THE_CHOPPAH
They should lock them in another theater showing THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE movies, A SERBIAN FILM and SPICE WORLD on a loop.
June 6, 2011, 5:21 p.m. CST
by Collin
"No chicken or they just run out of chicken?"
June 6, 2011, 5:24 p.m. CST
by BSB
"They should had a tractor trailer out back, wit extra chicken on ice. You know?"
June 6, 2011, 5:26 p.m. CST
Hell yes finally..
by scott spivey
I hate people who text in theaters. The smart phone screens are getting brighter and it gets distracting. If your "social" life is so much more important than get out and go visit your so called "friends" and don't go to the movie.
June 6, 2011, 5:35 p.m. CST
Legal (starwarsredux)
by PreciousRoy
Dunno if it's legal to use as an advertisement, but I would guess it's on the same ground as a dry cleaners putting a bounced check on the wall of shame. She left a voicemail, she knew she was being recorded, so she can't disagree that she authorized her voice to be rebroadcast. It would be fun to have her sue, not because that could potentially cost AD some money, but because it'd be fun to get a face to that voice.
June 6, 2011, 5:36 p.m. CST
People who go to the arclight don't have cell phones
by THE_CHOPPAH
So I've heard.
June 6, 2011, 5:46 p.m. CST
melonman: Nah, lobotomy would be merciful compared to SPICE WORLD.
by THE_CHOPPAH
It's more like feeding Morton Downey Jr. garlic and jalapenos for five hours and then letting him scream directly in your face while letting Rosie O'Donnell blow you with a mouth full of rusty barbs.
June 6, 2011, 5:50 p.m. CST
No problem with using phone to locate seats/friends
by Fat and Curious
...as long as it's in the first five minutes or so of the flick. Sure it's a pain in the ass, but it's not worth getting worked up about. If something comes up and I'm running a little late, I'll ask my friends to hold up their phones so I can sit with them. The alternative is usually uncomfortably sitting next to a fat mongoloid or a bunch of 17 year olds who end up fighting to jerk me off, only the latter of which is acceptable.
June 6, 2011, 6:11 p.m. CST
You'd all sleep with that bitch and tell her she was beautiful.
by Subtitles_Off
Most of your girlfriends are exactly like that when they're drunk and in public. Don't even front. Welcome to the Magnited States of America. Where the young and stupid rule.
June 6, 2011, 6:16 p.m. CST
To anyone who's siding with the rude, idiotic girl...
by Messiahman
Fuck you. Please avoid coming to any theaters that I frequent.
June 6, 2011, 6:37 p.m. CST
During the evolution scene in Tree of Life
by brian K
this total shitpile sitting behind me spent 15 minutes straight trying to quietly open a bag of candy or something. All I could hear was crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle... for seriously 15 fucking minutes straight. Just have some balls and OPEN THE FUCKING BAG. Thats all it took to completely ruin a movie I had anticipated for months. I spent a long time staring directly into his dopey eyes to determine if he possibly was mentally handicapped or deaf or something, but no! I'm pretty sure he was a regular human being with no visible reason for being such a drain on humanity. I sincerely hope there is a special place in hell for people like that.
June 6, 2011, 6:38 p.m. CST
Was she texting or looking for her seat?
by Rogue Trooper
Anyway, it drives me nuts when people use their mobile phones in a cinema. They may think they're being discrete when, in actual fact, the light from their phone can be seen half way across the auditorium. Well done the Alamo Drafthouse for taking a stand.
June 6, 2011, 6:42 p.m. CST
actually heard someone say "turn that thing off or I'll destroy the damn thing"
by jupiterjim
the teenager turned around, saw the irate hillbilly and and said "screw this and screw you old man" to which the irate hillbilly replied "yep. but you're leaving bitch" which earned him a round of applause. and all this during previews
June 6, 2011, 6:42 p.m. CST
Man. Paul Reiser is one whiny little bitch
by jupiterjim
June 6, 2011, 6:45 p.m. CST
fat and curious
by Ace of Wands
"No problem with using phone to locate seat/friends as long as it's in the first five minutes or so of the flick". Well, you could always just get to the cinema on time, couldn't you?. I don't know about the US, I suspect that it is similar, but here in the UK there is often 15-30 minutes of adverts and trailers before the film even starts so that really does leave plenty of time for someone to get off their arse and arrive in good time for the movie to start.
June 6, 2011, 6:50 p.m. CST
by Ace of Wands
well, maybe you'll never now frequent the Alamo Drafthouse but I live in the UK and their stand on this issue makes me want to go there to watch movies from now on. Could be costly, monetarily, but on the other hand it could save my soul and stop me murdering a texter/talker/time checker.
June 6, 2011, 7 p.m. CST
So how do they enforce it so well?
by HonestAbe
That sounds incredibly awesome, but how exactly do they enforce it? I managed a multiplex for the better part of a decade, and about the toughest part was enforcing this. I kicked out plenty of people for talking, but it is very hard to catch them in the act. You'd have to station an employee in every auditorium for every showing to catch people in the act and not have to rely on their fellow moviegoers to come out to the lobby and find an usher. And that would be completely cost-prohibitive at a big multiplex.
June 6, 2011, 7:03 p.m. CST
I had a concert going on in a movie theater once...
by MrMysteryGuest
...luckily, the theater was playing "Mars Needs Moms".
June 6, 2011, 7:05 p.m. CST
Don't worry, subtitles_off.
by THE_CHOPPAH
One day the young and stupid will grow up to be old and grumpy.
June 6, 2011, 7:09 p.m. CST
by warrenE33
wish there was some way this could be spread as policy to the theatres in oregon.
June 6, 2011, 7:10 p.m. CST
Can I bring my gun to the Alamo if it has a silencer?
by CHRISTIAN_BALE_TRASHED_MY_LIGHTS
You'll honestly never know I was there. Well, you might afterward when your fuckwit brother who keeps whispering in your ear doesn't get out of his seat.
June 6, 2011, 7:21 p.m. CST
This is pretty bullshit
by onefatman
Admittedly, the poor woman doesn't sound like the sharpest tool in the shed but being late to films happens to the best of us from time to time and if the facts are correct all she did was use the light on her phone to find her seat and got thrown out without a refund then that's pretty unfair and actually quite mean. Any one of us could have been stuck in the same situation and would've felt just as offended by the harsh treatment we'd receive. The rule is supposed to discourage inconsiderate people from texting or talking and interrupting the other moviegoers' enjoyment of the film. Being unable to find your seat in the dark isn't inconsiderate or rude and it would've caused more of a commotion to just stumble around in the dark so if you actually stop and think about it she was doing the RIGHT THING by pulling out a small light and attempting to quickly and discretely locate her seat. Other than leaving the lights on for the entire film, the only other alternative is to force every person who arrives even a second after the lights dim to miss the film entirely, which is quite a harsh penalty for something that can, at times, be unavoidable and I'm sure has happened to most, if not all, of the people commenting on and reading this article. Turning her phone call into a PSA would be funny if she had broken the rules that the PSA was there to remind people about. She wasn't being rude, talking, texting or inconsiderately disturbing the other patrons, she was just trying to find her seat. Nordling, feel free to update us on what actually happened so we can have the facts before judging and shaming a potentially innocent and genuinely unfairly treated customer
June 6, 2011, 7:23 p.m. CST
Nordling . . .
by onefatman
or Quint, or Tim league, or whoever actually knows what went down
June 6, 2011, 7:26 p.m. CST
That chick and people like here are the bane of my movie going life, however...
by Kevinicus
...perhaps the Alamo may want to actually list this "policy" under their "Admissions and Policies" section on their website before they start kicking people out and keeping their money.
June 6, 2011, 7:26 p.m. CST
Cell phone jammers: my experience
by Zardoz
I got mine from dealextreme and it worked liked gangbusters! They used to be expensive, big and awkward and not something you want to carry around on your person. Now they are cheap, as small as the smallest cell phone and simple to use. Mine was $60 and came with a usb charger for electrical outlet AND cars. I tested it on my own phone and some friend's and it totally worked. I only used it in a theater one time before it was stolen out of my car. (fucker probably had no idea what it was!) When I did it in the theater, there were definitely some people looking at their phones like "What the fuck? What happened to my signal?" The only drawback to it, is that it doesn't turn off the phones, so even though people can't text or make calls, the light from the damn phone will still be in your face! (Which can lead to an even more agonizing situation as people will look at the phone even longer than usual, trying to figure out why the fuck they can't get a signal!) The other thing that I considered was this: what if there were some sort of emergency in the theater, say, that I myself had a heart attack; I keel over, and now no one can call 911 on their cell phones because my jammer is still working perfectly, even though I'm dying! (Fucked up, right?) So, my advice would be to just use it like a gun: see someone use their cell phone, turn on the jammer, disrupt the signal, then turn it off. They'll keep dropping calls, get frustrated and stop doing it. Hopefully! The sad thing is that people like me who just want to watch and enjoy a movie in peace have to resort to extremes such as this to do it. It's a sad, sad world filled with lots of assholes!
June 6, 2011, 7:29 p.m. CST
one fat man
by THE_CHOPPAH
She was warned twice. Three strikes and you're CHOPPED. Oldest rule in the book. Now here's your complimentary garbage can of popcorn. Go watch HONK IF YOU'RE HORNY in peace -- at home. CHOPPED.
June 6, 2011, 7:42 p.m. CST
by HansBubi
Thank you very much for the response. You make good points. I doubt I'd ever get one, but if I did I would probably use it as you recommended.
June 6, 2011, 7:45 p.m. CST
Some of you didn't read/watch carefully
by HansBubi
Several talkbackers have written a lot about how she shouldn't be thrown out for using her cell phone as a flashlight. Did you read/watch the rest? She even admits to texting during the movie. She was warned twice. This whole situation is not based solely on her using her cell phone as a flashlight. Someone posted a thesis-length post above focusing only on the flashlight detail. Don't write a novel in response until you've gathered all the details.
June 6, 2011, 8 p.m. CST
Stupid fucking cunt got what she deserved...
by alienindisguise
actually shes also deserves to be choked by a dick in her mouth. I'd give anything for something on par with the Alamo here in NC. We only have a few indie theaters with sky high ticket prices as an alternative to regular theaters. I'd love to just spend a day in the cinema slapping people in their heads and then breaking their cell phones. Good times.
June 6, 2011, 8:06 p.m. CST
The Human Condition
by Atomic_Crusader
You can't win. Flatscreens and the digital download have saved movies, at home its never been better. It's really too bad about theaters these days.
June 6, 2011, 8:08 p.m. CST
My worst theater experiences
by Zardoz
These are just the WORST experiences that I've had with inconsiderate assholes in theaters. I can virtually guarantee that some type of bullshit will occur in almost every single movie I go to these days. #3) Douchebags with Laser Pointers. This used to happen a lot back in the late 90's. Some total asshat would DELIBERATELY fuck with everyone in the theater by shining the laser on the screen while the movie is playing. It happened several times during a re-issue screening of "The Empire Strikes Back". The audience broke out into TOTAL pandemonium: people screaming for the guy's head, throwing popcorn, etc. I think I finally got him to stop when I yelled that I was "going to shove that thing so far up your ass, your teeth will glow!" But the worst was when I shot the bird at some Japanese punks who had been doing it during a movie. 5 of them tried to jump me after the movie! Some couple walking by came to my defense and security had to walk me to my car! (nothing happened, thank god!) Thankfully, the whole laser pointer fad seems to be over, now. 2) Screaming babies: I can't tell you how many movies have been ruined by idiot parents who bring their tiny newborns to the movies. Some of these babies look like they were literally born yesterday! I usually go to late shows to specifically avoid kids and parents, but I've had screaming babies at 10pm showings on Sunday and Monday nights. It might not be so bad if the parents just took them out of the theater once the baby starts crying, but no, they stay right the fuck where they are and don't budge an inch! Hey, they don't want to miss the movie! During a 10pm weeknight showing of "Sunshine", an R-rated horror movie, some douche parent let the baby cry for 20 mins! I swear! Finally, when they eventually left for good, the whole audience burst into applause! (Further disrupting the movie!) More recently, I was at a showing of "Piranha 3D", (a very hard-R, ADULTS ONLY movie with lots of violence, nudity and language) Some parents brought two 5 year old kids (at best!) into the theater. The kids were yelling and screaming climbing over seats and running up and down the aisles BEFORE the movie even started! (The parents did NOTHING to stop or correct this behavior in the least, of course) Seeing the writing on the wall, I, and several other audience members, got up and left the theater, altogether. Before I left though, I yelled at the parents: "You idiots are the parents of the fucking year! The dad, obviously a total moron, yells, "Don't use that language in front of my kids!" To which I yell back, "They're going to see and hear a lot fucking worse in a few minutes, asshole!" Then I went to the manager, got a refund, reported the parents and got them kicked out of the theater! (Who's your daddy, NOW, fucker?) 1) Cell phone talkers: forget texting, talking on cell phones is the absolute WORST offense. Once during a movie, some Asian women sat next to me in a packed theater, took out her phone and started making a call; I looked her right in the face and said, "You are NOT going to do that right now. Get the fuck out!" She got the fuck out, too! (and never came back!) The worst one was back in the early 90's. I swear, I think it was the first cell phone call made during a movie. This douche receives like 6 or more LOUD calls on his phone during "The Age of Innocence". RING! RING! RING! "HELLO? I CAN'T HEAR YOU! I'M IN A MOVIE! A MOVIE! YEAH! I'M ON A CELL PHONE!" People in the audience almost rioted! They were throwing popcorn, yelling at him. Finally, they chased him out of the theater! (I swear, one person was crying, "Who the fuck is that? What is he talking on? Who is he calling?") Those are just the memorable experiences. I've had loud conversations, translators repeating the dialogue in various languages, people talking back to the screen after every bit of action, (Black people REALLY do this! It's a cliche because it's fucking TRUE!) people kicking the back of my seat! (God! I should make that #1, but I've mostly eliminated that problem by sitting all the way at the back wall of the theater, now) The long and the short of this rant? People are rude douchebags in theaters, nowadays. I blame society, modern technology, lack of manners and home video. Everyone thinks that what they do in their living room is okay to do in a packed theater. I'm here to tell you, it ain't so!
June 6, 2011, 8:10 p.m. CST
I got kicked out of a theater for using my phone as a Fleshlight.
by Stuntcock Mike
Seriously though, they should have turfed this cunt like that cowboy getting ejected from the casino in the film Casino. Head first. Open the door with her fucking head.
June 6, 2011, 8:11 p.m. CST
one good thing about $15 IMAX tickets
by Ye Not Guilty
At $15 a ticket, nobody talks or texts during the movie. I've been watching so many films in IMAX that I had forgotten how horrible audiences can be until I watched X-Men First Class last weekend. Holy shit, I think I was the only person actually trying to watch the damn movie.
June 6, 2011, 8:11 p.m. CST
by JethroBodine
June 6, 2011, 8:13 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
That post has elevated you to some as-yet-identified divine level in CHOP's book. CHOP the fuck ON.
June 6, 2011, 8:17 p.m. CST
Alamo Winchester Virginia
by Trent Garnes
Mrjonz, I live here in Winchester, and can attest to the fact that the Alamo is definitely one of the best theaters around. A group of investors from the area wanted to bring the first Alamo outside of Texas to VA, and I'm glad they did! I love all the old retro trailers and commercials, and definitely the food. They also have Friday night showings of classics voted on by local fans. Great place!
June 6, 2011, 8:18 p.m. CST
Who the fuck needs a cell phone light to find their seat in the dark?
by jrb
Seriously? My vision sucks but I have no trouble adjusting to the darkness. Just look away from the bright screen and your eyes will adjust to the reflected light on the audience's faces. It's not rocket science. Only an ignorant cunt would need a cell phone light to find their seats. Next time try walking to the front of the theater, turn around so that you're not facing the screen and walk up the aisle until you find your stupid friends.
June 6, 2011, 8:21 p.m. CST
Uh. . .
by maelstrom_ZERO
. . .I'm not sure why there's such rampant vitriol about this. If she's texting in the middle of a movie, I can understand. If she's calling during the middle of a movie, then I also understand. Both are pretty distracting, and I would endorse having the person ejected. But if, hypothetically, the person came in during the previews, and couldn't really see anything, and used her phone to figure out where to walk to avoid stepping on people. . .is that really so bad? I mean, it's only the previews, and truth be told, it really DOES get pretty dark if you come in then. I'm only raising the point because I actually have atrocious vision in the dark--its why I avoid driving at night if at all possible. Not saying this lady was right, but in certain circumstances, I can see why it might be unfair to eject a person under very specific circumstances.
June 6, 2011, 8:27 p.m. CST
AGAIN: Someone didn't read or comprehend everything.
by THE_CHOPPAH
She didn't just use it as a flashlight. She texted and was warned TWICE. Fuckin' amateurs. CHOPPED.
June 6, 2011, 8:30 p.m. CST
by onefatman
where did she admit it? She said that she was unaware of the rules and that she has been free to text in other theatres, but i didn't see any admission of guilt there . . .
June 6, 2011, 8:36 p.m. CST
by onefatman
where does it say she was warned twice?
June 6, 2011, 8:36 p.m. CST
I bet she swallows though...
by conspiracy
with a mouth like that...I bet Texas Brisket isn't all that goes down her redneck gullet.
June 6, 2011, 8:40 p.m. CST
Best theater experience: Arclight and Sundance
by Zardoz
Those guys don't fuck around! Same zero tolerance policy as the AD. First of all, they announce to everyone over the PA to shut off their phones, NOT just make them silent, but SHUT THEM THE FUCK OFF! (Which is brilliant!) Next, they have employees regularly monitoring the theater, usually for the entire beginning 5-10 minutes or so, then intermittently throughout the screening. (As it should be done!) Now the reason why they can do this is because they are not paying the employees minimum wage; in a lot of cases, the employees are making more than the min, plus benefits, etc. So they take care of the people that are enforcing the rules, so they actually, like, GIVE A SHIT! And the reason they can afford to actually pay their employees is because there's a much higher than average, "premium" ticket-price.This premium price also comes with reserved seating, luxurious, clean and comfortable seats and usually, but not always, the availability of alcohol! (for an additional price, of course!) What the premium price does is a 3-fold effect: one, most teens and gangbangers don't want to pay the premium price, so they stay away altogether. (Score!) And, two, since the theater, if it allows alcohol, is 21+, it keeps the kids out BY LAW! (SUPER SCORE!) And three, since most of the people who are in the theater have lots of money, are older than 21, and are their to watch the movie and not text, talk and/or make-out, etc., they do something crazy: they actually sit there quietly, without distractions, AND WATCH THE FUCKING MOVIE! (Amazing, right?) Unfortunately, I myself can't afford to see every single movie that I go to at these prices either, so I tend to save it for the small, independent films that no texting, teen douchebag is going to pay to see, anyway. So, Arclight, Sundance and The Alamo do movies the right way or the highway!
June 6, 2011, 8:43 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
On the Alamos blog. It wasn't just cause she came in late to the film and couldn't find her seat. Which is a bullshit excuse anyway. If the waiters can discreetly find their customers and hand out tabs in the dark Alamo has well lit floors in the aisles, like most theaters that are ambient that don't distract from the filmgoing experience. It's the blinding white light from a cell phone that's annoying.
June 6, 2011, 8:45 p.m. CST
And anyone halfway defending this twat
by THE_CHOPPAH
Is a fucking piece of shit too. "what's the big deal?" well how about some goddamn common courtesy for the general public. You ain't the only one the theater.
June 6, 2011, 8:47 p.m. CST
Always loved Alamo, love it more for Baby Day...
by GunRunner
I've always heard about Baby Day at Alamo Lake Creek (any show before 2pm on Tuesdays is baby friendly), but didn't have a chance to really appreciate it until last week when we took our two month old to The Hangover II. They basically say that any show before 2 on a Tuesday is fine to bring infants, and they flash a huge disclaimer up on the screen before the previews letting everyone else know that the no-talking rule still goes for adults but that babies are welcome at this particular showing and offers a refund at that point to anyone who doesn't want to watch a movie with possibly fussing babies around. There's also well maintained baby changing stations in all of the restrooms. Luckily, our son slept through just about the whole movie and only needed one diaper change. My wife and I used to make Alamo a weekly treat (full meal, tickets, and drinks can be a $100 night if you're not careful), but we obviously haven't really left the house much since our baby son arrived. Thanks Alamo for allowing us to get our for a few hours.
June 6, 2011, 8:49 p.m. CST
"Using my cell phone as a Fleshlight"!
by Zardoz
Fucking Hi-larious! Good one, stuntcock mike. And "they should have turfed this cunt like that cowboy getting ejected from the casino in the film Casino. Head first. Open the door with her fucking head." was pretty damn funny, too!
June 6, 2011, 8:49 p.m. CST
by DrMorbius
June 6, 2011, 8:51 p.m. CST
by onefatman
thanks for clearing that up, I'd made the mistake of only reading the information in front of me. How silly. BTW it's awesome how your post talks about "common courtesy for the general public" and calls "anyone halfway defending this twat" a "fucking piece of shit too". well played.
June 6, 2011, 8:54 p.m. CST
by BSB
Just so's I know what theaters to avoid.
June 6, 2011, 8:55 p.m. CST
by Zardoz
Thanks! I will keep on choppin' on, man! (Until I inevitably get a meat thermometer in my neck for telling some mullet-haired asshat to stop texting their boyfriend and shut their fucking baby's screaming, noise-hole during a showing of "The Avengers"! ;)
June 6, 2011, 8:58 p.m. CST
Just called the Alamo, another new rule...
by Nick
June 6, 2011, 8:58 p.m. CST
Anyone caught talking or whispering will get kicked out
by Nick
June 6, 2011, 9:01 p.m. CST
Here's the full list of rules
by Nick
You will be removed with no refund if you... 1. Use a cell phone at any time. 2. Talk or whisper 3. If you laugh 4. If you crunch popcorn to loud 5. If you kick the seat infront of you 6. If you get up to use the restrooms 7. If you are clean shaven 8. If you shower 9. If you have a girlfriend and are male 10. If you have penetrated a vagina and are male 11. If you are in shape It's clearly marker on every door. Basically, you have to be Devin Feraci to watch a film.
June 6, 2011, 9:10 p.m. CST
by tlsonata
Alamo Drafthouse, I want to be inside you.
June 6, 2011, 9:14 p.m. CST
A thousand times yes. Go nationwide.
by jimmy_009
If only more theaters had the balls to try to actually give people a good experience.
June 6, 2011, 9:19 p.m. CST
This has been a good day for the Choppah
by HansBubi
I stand by his call for common courtesy.
June 6, 2011, 9:19 p.m. CST
by 7Cal
..I wish there was an Alamo in my city. Everyone one of my theater-going experiences would be there. This ad just made my night.
June 6, 2011, 9:22 p.m. CST
Some of these talkbackers defending the dumb texting cunt...
by 7Cal
make me laugh. They're all "if you losers actually ever had a girlfriend you'd be cool with texting in theaters." The twat a few comments above me: the dude who posts as natalieportmansyummyafterbirth on the Aint It Cool News talkback forum, saying how everyone else but him is a geek, fat and never had sex, is hilarious.
June 6, 2011, 9:22 p.m. CST
Can't wait for day and date
by Kenn Fong
I can't wait for the time when the studios go to day and date releases for home and theatrical. Even if they charge extra for the home experience. When I'm at home I can start the movie when I am ready. I can pause it when I need to go to the bathroom or get some more soda. I don't have to endure jerks who are "too good to sit through the commercials" (the trailers) so they arrive in the middle of the first act. I don't want to sit next to two senile geezers who can't hear so they have to keep repeating the lines to each other. I don't want to sit near people who smuggle in smelly food. I don't want to sit near someone who hasn't had a shower or bath in the last three years. I don't want to sit near someone who forgot to fill his parking meter. I don't want to sit near someone who has to proclaim the name of every actor making a cameo as if he's going to get a prize. I went to a screening at the freaking WGA theatre on Doheny and industry people were talking! i used to love movie theatres. I still do. It's people I hate.
June 6, 2011, 9:22 p.m. CST
Can't wait for day and date
by Kenn Fong
I can't wait for the time when the studios go to day and date releases for home and theatrical. Even if they charge extra for the home experience. When I'm at home I can start the movie when I am ready. I can pause it when I need to go to the bathroom or get some more soda. I don't have to endure jerks who are "too good to sit through the commercials" (the trailers) so they arrive in the middle of the first act. I don't want to sit next to two senile geezers who can't hear so they have to keep repeating the lines to each other. I don't want to sit near people who smuggle in smelly food. I don't want to sit near someone who hasn't had a shower or bath in the last three years. I don't want to sit near someone who forgot to fill his parking meter. I don't want to sit near someone who has to proclaim the name of every actor making a cameo as if he's going to get a prize. I went to a screening at the freaking WGA theatre on Doheny and industry people were talking! i used to love movie theatres. I still do. It's people I hate.
June 6, 2011, 9:22 p.m. CST
Majorbothroyd I'm not to far from you in Martinsburg
by MRJONZ72
It was quite weird man..had been wanting to go to the Alamo draft house for years after reading about it for years on this website. One day I happen to go to the Website and I see Coming Soon Winchester VA. I'm like what the????!!! and a month later it was opened. But oh okay I didn't realize how they picked those Fri night classic movies but it makes sense. Haven't caught one yet but will sometime soon.
June 6, 2011, 9:28 p.m. CST
You hippies crack me up...
by Monroville
You hate Republicans and conservatives for being draconian and tight-ass nazis when it comes to their policies on abortion, government mandated health care, taxes, morality in general, waterboarding terrorists... then talk about shooting people for talking/texting in MOVIES. I know, I know... it's only fascism when you're being kept from doing something you want to do by the other side. Regardless, I have no problem with embarrasing this girl with this ad.. in fact, I think it would be great if the ad was played in all movie theaters (maybe bleep/blot out the curse words for the PG and G rated movies)...and if she was warned 2 times prior to actually being kicked out, not a problem... 3 strikes and you're out. But a lot of you need to get a grip. This is the year 2011, and I have a wonderful 65" HDTV with a large living room with plenty of seating for friends and family. I can even put down tarps if we want to do the ROCKY HORROR thing or something similar. So if I want to recreate the theater experience, I can do that quite well without having to spend the same cost for a ticket as I would for the actual blu-ray release. Even so, I guess it is also yet another example of "reaping what you sow", as this kind of mentality and behavior isn't exactly facilitated nor created by conservative society. And notice: not a single curse word used.
June 6, 2011, 9:30 p.m. CST
I want this theater in my town
by luke_lymon
any theater that has the guts to be considerate of the movie fan is my best friend
June 6, 2011, 9:31 p.m. CST
3rd one opened in San Antonio...
by SA_Rhyno
...with a 4th one on the way. They are WITHOUT OUT A DOUBT the best theater chain out there.
June 6, 2011, 9:31 p.m. CST
MAGNIGHTED States of America!
by BBSloth
bwah ha ha ha
June 6, 2011, 9:36 p.m. CST
Cannot stand texters during movies!
by leisuredrummer
I have to keep my phone on during movies because I have kids but I always keep it hidden and if I do check it I keep my hand held over the screen and do it discretely. Websites like Twitter have made people so self-absorbed that they actually think people care about their comments on a movie they are watching.
June 6, 2011, 9:46 p.m. CST
The only people who have a problem with policies like this...
by Stegman84
...are the people who have absolutely no consideration for anyone other than themselves. And if it wasn't for these selfish assholes, we wouldn't need any policies like this to begin with, because people would know enough to show some consideration, some decorum, and some class when they were in a place such as a movie theatre. Oh, and I'd bet money that's someone reading/acting out a transcript, not the actual call itself, so as not to open themselves up to any legal issues.
June 6, 2011, 9:48 p.m. CST
It ain't the kids is it the parents!!
by Dark Doom
My Personal Best Baby Story Way back in 2001 I took my wife to be to see "The Planet of The Apes", and 5 minutes in the baby next to us started complaining. She was at most 2 or 3, and I couldn't blame the kid, as it was simply not a kid movie. The kid got progressively louder and louder, and the man's wife started begging him to go. Now both the lady and the baby are making a lot of noise, but the dude (about 6 feet tall 250 pounds and angrily Haitian) refuses to leave. My eye started to twitch, and my soon to be wife notices, she grabs my hand and gets ready to leave. She knows I have bad temper and am very confrontational in situations where people are rude or are just plain assholes. But no, I speak up. I ask him to keep it down, he glares. This goes on for five solid minutes, mother, and daughter complaining, me hushing, him glaring. It's getting tense, he says shit to me, and I finally let loose. I say: "It's not bad enough you are a bad father and don't listen to the kid or your wife but you don't even act like a human being and understand how rude you are." Now I just realize what I said, and I said it to a 6 foot tall angry black guy from Haiti. And in New Jersey (and maybe most places), that is a real bad idea. But before anything can happen the audience starts applauding me and the usher asks him to leave. The crowd was multi-racial so that's neither here nor there, it was the astonishing fact that the guy brought the kid to this kind of movie and ignored both his kid and his wife. I don't go out much now with a child that is almost 3 year old and I would NEVER take her to a movie like that. 3 year olds don't sit for 5 minutes much less 2 hours, how can you do that to your kid? How can you ignore your wife? But all that said I'm lucky I didn't get stabbed or shot. In hindsight I was as stupid as he was. It ain't worth getting killed over is it? So I don't go to Essex Green in West Orange anymore, I go at the early matinee with my brother and go to expensive IMAX movie theatres, this seems to solve the problem. But I do miss seeing movies with the wife…
June 6, 2011, 9:49 p.m. CST
Using it as a Flashlight
by Stormwalkers
If she was legitimately using the phone as a Flashlight then the theater owes her some money. Their website says they warned her twice - if that is true then it's her own fault. If she, however, tried to explain to them she was using it as a flashlight, they didn't believe her and so kicked her out - they owe her money. If at the other end of the spectrum she was happily texting away to her friends about how she is going to give the best blow job to her boyfriend and isn't sure what that rash is on her inner thigh - well then she deserved to be kicked out.
June 6, 2011, 10:05 p.m. CST
by BSB
Unfortunately, your experience is a sad commentary on the state of our country, when a simple attempt to get a man to behave with common courtesy results in you fearing for your life. There are simply way too many animals living amongst us.
June 6, 2011, 10:10 p.m. CST
by Chris Ballard
I went and saw X-Men: First Class yesterday. Texting and phones ringing all through the movie. I can't believe pay good money to go to the movies and spend the whole experience on their friggin phone. I'm in favor of jammers to be installed in all theaters. That would take care of the problem.
June 6, 2011, 10:22 p.m. CST
BSB I hope it's just us in NJ
by Dark Doom
But sadly I guess not..
June 6, 2011, 10:30 p.m. CST
I was kicked out of a theatre once
by Juggernaut125
for bringing my own food. My excuse was that the consession stand prices were outrageous... and besides, I haven't had a good barbecue in a long time. - Steven Wright.
June 6, 2011, 10:38 p.m. CST
It sounded Like my voice mail message to Republican Headquaters.
by cookylamoo
June 6, 2011, 10:41 p.m. CST
One of the best
by realJWade
The Drafthouse always has fun don't talk/text warnings, but this is one of my favorites. Thank you, Mr. League, for all you do.
June 6, 2011, 10:42 p.m. CST
drafthouse not exactly perfect
by digthewig
The servers can be pretty annoying sometimes. I wish they had a couple of "NO SERVER" rows in their theaters
June 6, 2011, 10:45 p.m. CST
Good on them.
by johndillingers20inchseveredcock
I dread going to the movies because of assholes who can apparently afford to fork over $40 to talk and fool around and not even watch the movie. I usually just go to matinees on Wednesdays. I've always thought theater staff should aggressively eject talkers and cell phone idiots. When I saw the first Harry Potter movie (being my introduction to the whole thing), a mom with five children sat directly behind me. She apparently had the entire book memorized and wanted to jack off to herself about it the entire time. Through the entire movie, she would literally quote every other line seconds before it was spoken onscreen, so I had a real-time spoiler-filled commentary streaming from directly behind me the entire time. I kept turning around telling her to shut up, and she didn't give a damn. I wanted to demand that she reimburse me for my ticket costs.
June 6, 2011, 10:45 p.m. CST
by BSB
I suspect that NJ, in fact, has it better than many parts of the country. Sad to say.
June 6, 2011, 10:50 p.m. CST
Once in the theater and lights go out
by BuffyFaithtribyeah
You will respect the dignity of the movie theater and your fellow audiance members by: SHUTTING OFF YOUR PHONE AND SHUTTIN THE FUCK UP! thank you and enjoy the film.
June 6, 2011, 10:52 p.m. CST
It doesn't matter if you're OK with texting in the theater or not
by sullivansmith
First off... I don't what this dofus was talking about... the floors at the Drafthouse are well lit enough to find your seat. And if you still can't, find an employee to help you find one. Jesus, it's not that fucking hard. Secondly, even if you're OK with other people texting, the policy is pretty damn clear. They generally have at LEAST two PSAs like the one above that CLEARLY STATE - in HUGE LETTERS - that you will be warned one if you're texting and then you'll be thrown out w/o a refund. It's not like it's a secret policy. I was at a screening months ago where I had forgotten and was texting to find someone who had wandered off. An employee came up to me and POLITELY reminded me about the policy. So, I simply walked out to the lobby, made a phone call, came back in and turned my phone off. I didn't hear another word about it. Frankly, if you think it's a dick policy, go somewhere else.
June 6, 2011, 10:54 p.m. CST
by room23storeblogspotcom
In Middle school me and a friend tried to see how much food we could sneak in, candy bars, a 6 pack worth of soda and more. Well they saw the bumps in our pockets when we first walked in and took what they saw and then a few other things feel out when we got to the person who tears the tickets and they took that stuff and then when we were sitting in the theater we were stupid enough to have taken it out to start eatting and one of the workers saw us and took that. Looking back I'm really supprised that they didn't kick us out. Funny thing is they gave it back at the end when we asked for it and were supprised to find out that all three piles of food were from just one person.
June 6, 2011, 10:55 p.m. CST
BSB-ehh are you sure? This is NJ here.
by Dark Doom
You are talking about NJ, I live here and deal with real life examples of extras from New Jersey Shore to NJ real wives with a touch of love and hip hop. Manners and courtesy are a dying breed here, but amazingly enough not totally dead..But now that you mention it Philly seems to be much more rude..
June 6, 2011, 10:58 p.m. CST
by BSB
If you're talking about Newark, I'm with you. But yeah - Philly, Detroit ... I think there more dangerous territories out there.
June 6, 2011, 11:14 p.m. CST
She makes herself sound like a victim..
by gambit7025
...who just stumbled into the theater and then just used her cell phone light for safety and guidance and as a result was thrown out by the mean theater employees....wah wah wah! Bitch please! I hope this ass clown twat comes forward so she can further be humiliated. Yay for the Alamo and their zero tolerance policy towards inconsiderate assholes. If I wanted to attend a movie with dim-witted, annoying theater goers, I'd go to Tinsletown in P-Flugerville. Years ago, I went to a showing of LOTR: Return of the King and a whole family of Deliverance'ish people sat down behind me who seemed to smuggle in an entire buffet feast of KFC. All I could hear for about half of the movie were sounds of gnawing, chewing, and smacking.
June 6, 2011, 11:16 p.m. CST
I hear this alamo group
by INWOsuxRED
also has a guy throw you out of your moving rental car if you use your cell phone. No refund, and no chance to top off the tank, so you get charged rental car fill-up fees.
June 6, 2011, 11:21 p.m. CST
This just made my day......
by bandus
I remember a time where it wasn't that important that you had to talk to someone every second. It's amazing that some people can't disconnect for two hours of their life and enjoy an opportunity to experience whatever the movie they are seeing has to offer.
June 6, 2011, 11:21 p.m. CST
I've been lucky enough to not have had problems with texters or loud people knock on wood
by room23storeblogspotcom
I hope that never happens.
June 6, 2011, 11:22 p.m. CST
by JethroBodine
I agree with you, people who are defending talkers, texters, and cellophane wrapper crunchers should be booted from this site!
June 6, 2011, 11:23 p.m. CST
Forgot to mention.......
by bandus
I am finally getting a chance to come to Austin on the 18th for business and as soon as I am off work I am going to live in the drafthouse. Been looking forward to a chance to go for a very long time. Can't wait to see what is going on during that time.
June 6, 2011, 11:30 p.m. CST
by Juggernaut125
awesome. The food IS way too expensive now. And as was stated above, I am sick and tired of the commercials that play at the beggining of the show, like they are one of the movie trailers. I'm also a big fan of kicking out people like the inconsiderate woman on the answering machine. Stupidity should not be rewarded.
June 6, 2011, 11:37 p.m. CST
More theaters should do this.
by Riff_Randell
I mean if the had the balls, they would. You go, Alamo!
June 6, 2011, 11:40 p.m. CST
You understand texting?!
by yesiamaplant
Hey, to the fuckwit who said he understood texting---GTFO. Marginally less irritating than talking, sure, but I pay an awful lot of money to sit in a big, dark room, with as few lit distractions as safety regs will allow, and I'll be goddamned if some moron is going to ruin it by shining their fucking flashlight in my periphery.
June 6, 2011, 11:51 p.m. CST
by BSB
Look, you gotta pick your battles. You can't fight the whole world you know.
June 7, 2011, 12:08 a.m. CST
People are still defending this girl?
by D.Vader
*Shakes head*
June 7, 2011, 12:13 a.m. CST
by BSB
If she's hot she just needs a spanking.
June 7, 2011, 12:26 a.m. CST
Or a good angry fuck
by D.Vader
June 7, 2011, 12:26 a.m. CST
by D.Vader
June 7, 2011, 12:27 a.m. CST
The other theater-goers should swarm the texters like the girl in that video....
by Bobo_Vision
...and then peel the skin and flesh off her face like the scene from Poltergeist....only they would be peeling it off instead of her. When done, they should return to their seats and continue watching the movie while she runs out of the theater screaming, and without her face. <p>
June 7, 2011, 12:28 a.m. CST
by justmyluck
Every theater needs one of these! My cinema annoyance level probably has texting as the least of the problems: - someone explaining or translating the entire film to their friend, wife/husband, child...whatever - someone's feet kicking the seat behind you and/or smelly feet perched up on the seat next to, or behind, you - someone taking a cell call in normal speaking level - someone who hasn't taken a bath in two months, and needs to be dragged right through a car wash after the movie - someone with a bad cold in the persistent cough stage - yes, someone texting or doing whatever illuminates their f-ing mobile phones AMC has a similar advert - much milder - before the show, but it's not enough. At least when someone's being an idiot there, they DO send security in to stand by the aisle and keep watch.
June 7, 2011, 12:30 a.m. CST
Anyone who watches Californication
by seasider
will appreciate this scene. Duchovny does what we all wish we could do to idiots and who use their cell phone or text during a movie. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyAZZHVfoQw
June 7, 2011, 2:45 a.m. CST
While we're at it, can we ban babies from theaters too?
by strosmer
At least for anything over a G rating? Texting during a movie does suck (and kudos to the Alamo for implementing the policy), but crying babies at a movie drive me nuts, especially at R-rated films. It should be a law - if you have a baby, no movie nights out. And no, I don't hate kids. I have three nieces and three nephews, and I love taking them to the movies. But bringing a baby to a theater? Come on people. Either get grandma to watch the kid, or just stay home. It's only common courtesy.
June 7, 2011, 2:50 a.m. CST
honest opinion of The Alamo Drafthouse
by zooch
For the record, The Drafthouse gives one warning before they boot you out, so this lady had to have been warned, and they tell you in BIG letters before each show not to do it. The videos they play while you wait for the movie to start are the best! The wait staff can get a little distracting, but the food is part of the experience and very delicious! The theater is miles better than other chains, the only one I go to. It's something you have to experience yourself. I dread having to live somewhere without one.
June 7, 2011, 3:35 a.m. CST
My Worst Movie Going Experience
by DutchRudder
It happened during Peter Jackson's King Kong in Madison, WI. Two loud mouth mooks walked in an hour and a half into the movie, and say directly behind me. Then started shouting "WHERE KONG AT?", and "WHO DAT?". After that, one of their phone's rang loudly, he let it ring and ring, checked the caller ID, then said "Im'a take dis". Kept it ringing, walked out, but only to the garbage/door area, talked for a while, came back and shouted to his buddy, "AWW MAN!! HE CLIMBIN' DA EIFFEL TOWER!!". At least he wasn't texting, I guess.... Thanks Quint, great stuff, but now I'm just jealous that so many theaters are not like the Draft House. Also, I agree that BABIES shouldn't be allowed. Some baby totally fucked up my Thor movie going experience.
June 7, 2011, 3:37 a.m. CST
by DutchRudder
I guess I don't hate babies in theaters, as much as dip shit parents, that aren't smart enough to take their screaming kid out to the lobby for a while.
June 7, 2011, 4:23 a.m. CST
by Trent Garnes
Yeah, I've got friends in Martinsburg. Before the Drafthouse came, I used to go to Regal Cinemas in M-burg. It surprised me too that the same theater chain I had read about for years on this website was coming to such a random place as Winchester. I know there was a local rock station's website where you could go and vote on the friday night movie (not sure if that's still the case). And I like how they do have some special events like the ones in TX. I remember they had a screening of Napoleon Dynamite and a q&a with some of the actors. I don't go anywhere else now (except the $2 Delco here in Winchester sometimes for 2nd run movies...)
June 7, 2011, 4:44 a.m. CST
just curious but...
by DonLogan
How do the writers on this site take notes during a movie? Back in the day movie reviewers had one of those light up pen thingies didn't they? Surely now it's a smartphone?
June 7, 2011, 5:07 a.m. CST
Dude, that's awesome
by eveelcapitalist
I've never understood, especially in this day and age of sky high ticket prices, anyone would spend money to see a movie and not pay the slightest bit of fucking attention to it. Cause when I pay money, I intend on getting my money's worth. And if ticket prices get any higher, my money's worth better include a nice knob polishing during the trailers. So put your fucking cellphones away, people, you are not fucking at home where you can put the movie on pause to take a dump or finger your little idiot girlfriend's rotten AIDS infected crotch while talking about some faggot band t-shirt you saw at fucking Hot Topic. Fuck you, fuck your girlfriend and fuck your mother. In my future dictatorship all shall obey or suffer.
June 7, 2011, 5:22 a.m. CST
Not sure it has been said yet
by yourebreakingthejacket
But that dumb, self-centered cunt is one of the problems with this country. You want to text your boyfriend or girlfriends to talk about who they are gonna blow next friday night do it while you are watching Jersey Shore at your house, or trailer. She probably wouldn't know the Bill of Rights if it kicked her in her Gunt, but she will try to evoke it as defense for her obnoxious texting during a movie.
June 7, 2011, 6:02 a.m. CST
by RobertoInfinite
There. You finally got some attention. Happy now?
June 7, 2011, 7:09 a.m. CST
by MoffatBabies
was beautiful.
June 7, 2011, 7:27 a.m. CST
I find it strange that a candy wrapper can be louder than a cinemas entire speaker system...but it is.
by harryknowlesnothingaboutfilm
June 7, 2011, 7:27 a.m. CST
A movie theater where you drink during the films.
by ToughGuyRizzo
I'm a bartender and there's MUCH worse things that can happen at a place that serves beer than texting. Yeah, it's annoying, but when people drink, I'm sure the ADH kicks out people who talk too much, right? I'm all for hating on the teens/tweens stupid bitches who text/use their phones during movies where there isnt liquor being served, but hey, if it's just someone using a flashlight, (phone) then that's some fucked up shit. Now back to giving Doctor Who the talkback numbers they deserve than this bullshit.
June 7, 2011, 7:32 a.m. CST
I wish they were as hardcore in my local cinema the shit I have to endure just to watch a film
by harryknowlesnothingaboutfilm
Talking / mobile phones / people getting up and down every five minutes / the smell of food / the smell of other people
June 7, 2011, 7:33 a.m. CST
Sartre once said 'Hell is Other People' he must have been talking about his local cinema
by harryknowlesnothingaboutfilm
June 7, 2011, 7:54 a.m. CST
Is Texas the word for world now?
by AsimovLives
June 7, 2011, 7:55 a.m. CST
HELL yes! This should be a federal freakin' law...
by ClayMatthews
June 7, 2011, 8:07 a.m. CST
by BSB
Babies, blacks and bitches. Amirite?!?!?!
June 7, 2011, 8:11 a.m. CST
Do me a favour
by Papa Lazaru
To all the people who do and or condone texting during a film . Do me a quick favour . Leave your computer and go to your kitchen . Take a sharp knife from one of your drawers .Then take that knife and jam it , pointy end first, into your own neck . Try to do it a couple of times before you lose your strength. Then let the sweet relief of death take you. That's all I ask . Thanks.
June 7, 2011, 8:14 a.m. CST
by BSB
Chavs, cunts and chicken.
June 7, 2011, 8:15 a.m. CST
by BSB
Texters, tweens and trannies.
June 7, 2011, 8:17 a.m. CST
by BSB
Look. I turn the brightness down and text low in my lap. It's possible to do it on the DL, you just got to have skills. Sometimes I got to get my text on baby.
June 7, 2011, 8:35 a.m. CST
by Dealer
Go to the Alamo Drafthouse and read the full story it's all there. She was warned twice. Also I alway go to Alamo for movies and they are NOT looking for people to kick out. If someone is texting or talking and someone complains they watch the person and if the sever sees them talking or texting they get two warnings, then they are kicked out. I personaly have never seen anyone get kicked out so I don't think they enforce the policy enough but they have built up a repution for a great movie experience and over the years weeded out the BAD customers. So typically this isn't even an issue. Of course it does still happen from time to time. Now that said.. DONT HAVE ME COME DOWN THERE FOR YOU EITHER TOUGH GUY!
June 7, 2011, 8:39 a.m. CST
Fuck yes. Alamo Drafthouse is king!
by kidicarus
They've been expanding a bit, but it'll always be an Austin gem.
June 7, 2011, 9:04 a.m. CST
So, when you go to a movie, you check your first amendment rights at the door.
by cookylamoo
Much as I hate people who carry on CONVERSATIONS in movies, I think the occasional "Fuck, yeah" should be tolerated. And I worry about the number of places where "house rules" seem to trump the constitution.
June 7, 2011, 9:19 a.m. CST
To those few who think this is a BAD thing
by Crash11578
First, you are morons. You think it is impolite for the theater to kick someone out for texting, but I (who paid to watch the movie also) find it extremely impolite to have little white shards of light flash up during my cinema experience. It's very distracting. I don't care that you have friends or family with whom you must stay in constant and immeadiate touch (if so, then I recommend that you never leave your house). Our world if full of people who are spoiled, entitled and selfish. They don't care how their actions affect others and refuse to take responsibility for their behaviour. I am thrilled that the Drafthouse posted this stupid girls voicemail. I wish theaters across the nation would follow their example and ban rude behaviour from theaters.
June 7, 2011, 9:23 a.m. CST
I'm not paying to here you talk or txt.
by Jason
That is really what the core of this is. The light of these phones going off or staying on is very distracting and annoying. I'm trying to watch and listen to a movie that I paid for. You may argue well I'm paying too and I should be able to do what I want. Every movie theater asks you to turn off your cell phone. There are the PSA's about talking and texting during a movie. The expectation is to put your phone away. I don't mind gasps and startled exclamation for a particular action packed scene or shock. I recently had the expeirence at the local Frank's theater with a group of people that were not only texting but yelling talking loudly. My friend got up to tell management and they said oooh look someone is going to tell on us. When they were asked to bey quiet they got defensive and agrumentative. They threw their food and drinks on us and tried to hit us with her coat and screamed obscentities at us. Oh and her soda was spiked with something alcholic. My friend and I receieved a standing ovation for what we did. After the show we talked to the management to make sure they knew that they had smuggled alchol into the theater. We got some complimentry passes. Thing that really galls me is they also gave the people they ejected passes to come back and do the same bullshit again. So I applaud the Drafthouse and when I'm in the area I will make it a personal mission to thank the management and staff for a job well done.
June 7, 2011, 9:29 a.m. CST
It's worse if it's a play you wrote.
by cookylamoo
And people are sitting in the audience texting their review to their friends when the show's not even over.
June 7, 2011, 9:31 a.m. CST
Obviously...Drafthouse has no Theaters near Bus Stops
by conspiracy
Anyone ever watched a movie near a major city bus transfer point, or in a "Less Affluent" area? Cell phones are the least of your problems. Watched "Childs Play" in the Fresno California version of South Central Los Angeles in the 80's, the audience was more entertaining than the film, which you could not have heard anyway. If you've ever watched a film in say...Inglewood you know what I'm fucking talkin about.
June 7, 2011, 9:35 a.m. CST
by Dealer
I really encourage you to go read the story on the drafthouse site. They are not looking for people to thow out of the theater. Really this is all common sense stuff the Alamo just uses humor to get their point across. The only time this stuff is enforced is when other customers are complaing! THIS IS A GOOD THING!
June 7, 2011, 9:37 a.m. CST
Thank you Drafthouse
by zach hill
I've only been there once since I got here (Austin) in the month, but I loved it. This sealed the deal for being the only theater that'll get my money here. Fucking awesome
June 7, 2011, 9:43 a.m. CST
by Dealer
I say let Tinseltown, Cinemark and all the other chain theaters have the texters, talkers and people that feel their rights are being violated. I'll stick with the Alamo Drafthouse because they are not concered with pleasing the masses just the people that want a good, FUN common sense, movie experience.
June 7, 2011, 9:46 a.m. CST
Best thing I ever heard at a theater:
by MoneyGrabSequel
Seeing X-Men last weekend: Nice Movie Employee Girl: ...so please no texting during the movie, etc. etc. ... any questions? Backrow Chump: Yeah, you got man? Nice Movie Employee Girl: Yes, any more questions. Backrow Chump: Yeah, you sure? Nice Movie Employee Girl: *pauses, looks closely at Chump* Oh yeah, I'm sure.
June 7, 2011, 9:59 a.m. CST
Here in Japan - You text, you strip!!!
by Miyamoto_Musashi
Not really the law but if you have seen the majority of Japanese girls you would try anything to get them naked
June 7, 2011, 10:12 a.m. CST
Oh c'mon....
by Fart_Master_Flex
I'll take texting over sitting next to someone woofing down a meal and burping/farting throughout a movie. I mean, imagine the Harry Knowles fart cloud at one of these theaters?!
June 7, 2011, 10:15 a.m. CST
The new theater by my house..
by ZomBea_Arthur
..built in cell phone service cancellation material into the walls so phones don't work inside the actual theaters only the lobby. If you want to take it into your own hands you can pick up a personal cell phone blocker device that fits into your pocket and will kill every cell phone within 100 square feet of you. While not entirely legal, it does come in handy for annoying cell phone users everywhere. I've definitely gotten my $60 out of it. Texting is the main reason I don't pony up $ to go to the theater much anymore. I went to see Dark Knight and had a whole row of teenage boys in front of me who kept texting each other throughout the film. Annoying beyond belief. Get with it theater chains. If you don't start actually enforcing the rules you ask people to abide by more and more people will stay at home and watch movies. Viva Alamo Drafthouse!
June 7, 2011, 10:17 a.m. CST
by Dealer
You should stick with Cinemark.
June 7, 2011, 10:20 a.m. CST
Question for visitors of this place re food
by Miyamoto_Musashi
Looked it up and see that they have a full bar like menu, doesn't the people serving and people munching on chicken wings and whatever become much more annoying than someone texting? Can imagine during something like Fast Five no one would care, hell great time to have a beer, but what about something like the Tree of Life.
June 7, 2011, 10:22 a.m. CST
cookylamoo doesn't understand the Constitution
by Jay_Lenos_Ugly_Wife
The Constitution isn't meant as a blank check to say whatever you want. "Because malls are private property, and our constitutional rights are triggered only when the government (and not a private citizen) tries to limit our freedoms" http://www.slate.com/id/2079885/ There is debate on this, but only in cases of stuff like politicial protest or something not RUDE ASSHOLES talking/texting in the movie theater. Sorry but it's a pet peeve when idiots think the Constitution (which I bet they've never even read) gives them a blank cheque to say whatever they want whenever they want in any situation.
June 7, 2011, 10:25 a.m. CST
by BSB
To avoid the riff raff.
June 7, 2011, 10:26 a.m. CST
Drafthouse: Best. Theater. Ever!
by byronical
It is the ONLY reason I go to Austin anymore. I plan trips around going to movies at one of the Drafthouses there! Quint and Nordling, you both rock! And I agree with Nordling, anyone who supports texting in theaters should leave this site and never come back. Natalieportmansyummyafterbirth, since you, apparently, have never been to a Drafthouse and seem to have such fun sniping at its policies, staff and patrons, I invite you to find a nice, twisted dominatrix to bend you over and sew your lips to your ass since you obviously have no legitimate or intelligent use for either.
June 7, 2011, 10:26 a.m. CST
Also virgin jokes?
by Jay_Lenos_Ugly_Wife
What kind of troll not only defends this behavior but resorts to the lame ass "virgin", "you've never touched a girl" insults to prove his point? Isn't there like a special internet prison we can send these people?
June 7, 2011, 10:30 a.m. CST
Drafthouse franchising?
by Phimseto
Wasn't the Alamo Drafthouse supposed to open some branches across the nation like ten or twelve years ago? I remember there being talk of that. Did they decide to not go that route? Would certainly love one here in MA.
June 7, 2011, 10:34 a.m. CST
by Dealer
No it is not more annoying, but that is my opinion. I know people that don't like being around the food. For me the talking and lights from a cell are very rude and annoying. Just an FYI for you though typically people order before the previews since you need to get there at least an hour before the movie to get a good seat (this place is extremly popular) So most people are done before the movie really kicks in. For me it's about the beer, they have a great beer selection and to me that's priceless.
June 7, 2011, 10:38 a.m. CST
thanks for the insight dealer
by Miyamoto_Musashi
I notice at the cinema I go to here in Tokyo, that the food and alcohol selection has been expanding, but no servers. In the US can you book your seats or is it a first come first serve basis or varies depending on the cinema?
June 7, 2011, 10:40 a.m. CST
Cinema question for those in NY
by Miyamoto_Musashi
heading to NY for a business trip from this weekend and may see a movie probably something that wont arrive in Japan for some time, any cinema/theater reccomendations?
June 7, 2011, 10:49 a.m. CST
by Dealer
At the Alamo it's first come first serve, you can not book in advance. If you're going to an evening show more than not it will sell out so you really do have to get there early. I usually make a night out of it. The one I go to is about a minute from my house so I'll buy my ticket early in the day, then I'll try to be there about an hour before it starts to order something to eat and get a beer. There is a new place in town called Gold Class where you can book your seat in advance, I'm told it's similar to a first class airline ticket.
June 7, 2011, 11:10 a.m. CST
by redkamel
Where I live if you try to tell people to turn off their phone and it becomes a shitstore, you BOTH get kicked out. Its fucked up. I would gladly pay the extra ticket price of 3D for a 2D movie with a security guard to boot people. Unfortunately, the majority of people who watch movies are the kind of people who would get kicked out and are repeat business: stupid tweens and inconsiderate people who prefer to text than watch a movie
June 7, 2011, 11:28 a.m. CST
by BSB
June 7, 2011, 11:49 a.m. CST
I know a guy who knows how to deal with these assholes...
by v3d
I'm not condoning or recommending this, just reporting. I know a guy, (who frankly is a bit of a sociopath) and he HATES talkers and texters in movie theaters. He will ask them to stop. Once. Some do. The unlucky ones don't. So what he does is go to the concession stand and get the largest drink possible. If they have them, he prefers a large blue Iceee. Then he returns and "accidently" spills the entire thing over the head of the talker or texter. Which of course causes them to leave. Like I said, the guy is half nuts, so he doesn't think about the poor kid making minimum wage that has to clean up after him. I don't have the balls to do that. Or am I crazy enough to do it. And I don't recommend it. But I understand it.
June 7, 2011, 12:04 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
You, friendo, are a CHOPPAH at heart. Reminds of the time I went to see THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT with a buddy of mine and his girlfriend. We had these two teenage cunts behind us yammering on and on about how shitty and stupid the movie was, so my buddy turns around and asks them to be quiet. They only became louder and cuntier, talking shit to my buddy. So his girlfriend turns around and just gives them a fucking glare to end all glares. She wasn't the biggest girl; in fact, she was quite petite. But that look could make Hodor's titanic cock shrivel. One of the broads said to her, "You giving me a dirty look, BITCH?" She didn't respond. Just kept glaring. Again: "You giving me a dirty look? HUH?" No response, just more glaring. Finally, the girl shut up and went off with her cunt cohort to the bathroom. Stupid bitches left their drinks behind, though. So, my buddy's girl reached over, grabbed one of them (a root beer, if I recall correctly) and hawked a fat glemmy into it. After a few, the girls came back, sat quietly for about five minutes and then finally left. They took their drinks with them.
June 7, 2011, 12:08 p.m. CST
v3d: Not only do I condone that kind of action, I recommend it.
by THE_CHOPPAH
June 7, 2011, 12:11 p.m. CST
Ultimately, the goverment is always involved...
by cookylamoo
Because it's the police who back up the mall cops and ushers.
June 7, 2011, 12:13 p.m. CST
Awesome. But just one problem - can this girl SUE the theater for using her voice without her permission? She's going to see this, as it's on the internet now.
by dasheight
I'm not a lawyer, so I'm not sure, but wouldn't them using her voice without her permission at their business constitute a lawsuit?
June 7, 2011, 12:13 p.m. CST
@the_choppah Hilarious!
by v3d
June 7, 2011, 12:15 p.m. CST
Best New York Theatre
by cookylamoo
Is the Zigfeld. It's huge so you can move fifty feet away from anyone who's talking or texting.
June 7, 2011, 12:17 p.m. CST
Quick question: Will the Alamo be banning loud candy wrappers? Just curious.
by dasheight
June 7, 2011, 12:22 p.m. CST
Any hew on when the LA & NY Alamo Houses will open?
by jrb
I read that they're going to build Draft Houses in both cities in 2011 or 2012. Does anyone know where in LA that will happen? Hopefully it will be on the west side and not in Silverlake or Hollywood.
June 7, 2011, 12:25 p.m. CST
cookylamoo: I saw APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX and BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT at the Ziegfeld.
by THE_CHOPPAH
The place is a fucking palace.
June 7, 2011, 12:31 p.m. CST
Any "news" on when the LA & NY Alamo Houses will open?
by jrb
Damn typos!
June 7, 2011, 12:35 p.m. CST
After Rise of the Planet of The Apes trailers, everyone in the theater started making monkey sounds for the whole movie
by Nabster
After the audience saw the trailer for the new apes film, they went nuts with hysteria. I've never heard people laugh and howl with such mania. They then proceeded to make chimp sounds the whole movie, " Ooo, Aaa, Ooo." It was very annoying, but at points it was kinda funny. And then last summer during The Last Exorcism, a large group of black kids kept making meow sounds for some reason. Oh, they were also talking a lot, and saying how dumb the film was. Actually, black people really love to talk in theaters. That's something I've noticed.
June 7, 2011, 12:39 p.m. CST
People who text/phone in theaters
by DocPazuzu
= complete cunts. <p> There's no debating this.
June 7, 2011, 12:45 p.m. CST
It's so much better here in Germany
by Chariowalda_Barbarossa
Is the general audience behaviour really that bad in the US? I kind of couldn't believe it when I read Nordling's piece advocating the cinematic experience and it's talkback a while back. Honestly, is it really that bad, everwhere? Or is it just the usual exaggeration of talkback punks? <br /><br /> Now I go to the movies a lot, at least every second weekend, and I keep enjoying it. I do so in Münster, Germany. (Great city, gotta love it. Home of our favorite "Tatort" investigators.) And I honestly cannot remember the last time a cell phone alarm went off during a movie. Must be years ago. Maybe a few events of texting and only very seldomly someone is talking, quietly, after the movie has started. Admittedly I don't watch many comedies or teenie movies, so I don't meet the more stupid audiences very often. <br /><br /> Now I'm only waiting for that terrible 3D fad to go away and I'll be an all happy movie consumer again.
June 7, 2011, 12:57 p.m. CST
I can't stand talking or texting in the theater.
by CoursinLarry
And I would certainly go to the theater more if the rules against them were actually enforced. So congratulations to the Drafthouse. ...that said, I went to the Drafthouse once, and the jerk next to me got chips and salsa. And here I thought listening to people chomp loudly on popcorn was annoying. Having a constant *COWP* right in my ear drove me up a wall. My point is that only soft mush should be served as movie snacks.
June 7, 2011, 1:06 p.m. CST
The Zigfeld
by cookylamoo
Also has the best sound system in New York. I once watched "The Last Temptation of Christ" there sitting behind Teller of Penn and Teller. It was like eating popcorn at the Crucifixion.
June 7, 2011, 1:12 p.m. CST
by macheesmo3
If you have such a low attention span that popcorn bothers you..... I don't know what to say really..... people can't possibly be eating it that damn loudly can they? Eff talkers/texters though... it's just rude, bitching about eating sounds a bit entitled though.... But then again, I don't go to packed theaters, I go weekday matinees to avoid teenagers and throngs of yelling black folks.
June 7, 2011, 1:43 p.m. CST
Yelling Black Folks
by cookylamoo
The movie theater issue that dare not speak it's name.
June 7, 2011, 1:47 p.m. CST
Letter from Tim League Founder/CEO Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
by Zardoz
As many of you know, I really can't abide people who talk during a movie. A couple of years ago I was accosted in the Village parking lot by a patron who was warned for talking in a movie. I've nearly come to blows more than a few times over the years with rude customers over the same issue. When we adopted our strict no talking policy back in 1997 we knew we were going to alienate some of our patrons. That was the plan. If you can't change your behavior and be quiet (or unilluminated) during a movie, then we don't want you at our venue. Follow our rules, or get the hell out and don't come back until you can. Recently, we had a situation where a customer persisted in texting in the theater despite two warnings to stop. Our policy at that point is to eject the customer without a refund, which is exactly what went down that night. Luckily, this former patron was so incensed at being kicked out, she quickly called the office and left us the raw ingredients for our latest "Don't Talk or Text" PSA. You can check it out below, or come to the Alamo this weekend where the video will be playing before all of our R-rated movies. Ma'am, you may be free to text in all the other theaters in the Magnited States of America, but here at our "little crappy ass theater," you are not. Why you may ask? Well, we actually do give a f*$k. Sincerely, Tim League Founder/CEO Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
June 7, 2011, 1:57 p.m. CST
Yes fuck the texters
by Rupee88
fuck them up their stupid fucking asses.
June 7, 2011, 2:19 p.m. CST
Went to see A.I.and during the scene with the robots digging through the junk for spare parts...
by TheUmpireStrokesBach
(specifically the shot of the black robot fitting himself with a white arm) the woman sitting in front of me felt the need to say loudly and quite pointlessly to no-one in particular "He's black." Was never sure if she was surprised, excited, or maybe even offended by it due to some racial insecurities or..? And though she had a running commentary dribbling from her maw for the ENTIRE fucking film, only that one comment has stuck with me for some reason. I'm thinking that a lot of folks just can't/won't stop their "thoughts" from spewing out of their mouths as if their perceptions are somehow unique, enlightening, or even interesting to all the other people struggling to pay attention. Please, little Miss Einstein, could you possibly, for the love of Crom, save your piercing insights into the subtleties of a totally explicit image until AFTER the movie? At the time I just wanted to deliver a swift kick to the back of her skull or maybe stab her mercilessly with a meat thermometer..but honestly I wanted to just be able to watch and enjoy the movie without the distraction of my reptilian brain prompting me for a full-on psychotic rage. My conclusion: Theaters need to employ bouncers.
June 7, 2011, 2:30 p.m. CST
'Aint no Alamo Drafthouses where I'm from
by shran
Nothing even remotely like it. Wish there were. I'm sure I would drop a Wortune in a place like that. I suffer in the darkness with mouth breathing morons who think they are in their living rooms with their crew. I got no problem telling them to shut the fuck up but I would rather everybody knew the score and managed themselves. Ya' know, like adults. Civilized folks. Don't even get me started on the "food" situation.
June 7, 2011, 2:32 p.m. CST
I think the only way the Alamo Drafthouse could get any cooler....
by Zombiana_Jones
...Would be to produce a SNUFF FILM starring that bitch-ass-c*nt and screen IT before films...Just to cement the obligatory 'We mean business' image....I don't even live in Texas, but i've been to the Drafthouse enough to know... They're the coolest theaters on fuckin' Earth. 'Nuff said.
June 7, 2011, 2:51 p.m. CST
Went to see "Pitch Black" in 2000.
by cookylamoo
And right during the big scene where Claudia Black is bring carried off some Bum comes walking down the aisle and stumbles around in from of me to I miss the whole thing. Then at the end of the movie when the same thing happens to Radha Mitchel AGAIN the same bum comes lurching down the aisle to block the scene. Thank god they don't allow you to bring firearms to the theater because that would have been one dead hobo.
June 7, 2011, 3:14 p.m. CST
by BSB
Anaconda. Nuff said.
June 7, 2011, 3:21 p.m. CST
I am SO forwarding that to the owner of the indie theatre in my town.
by Royston Lodge
I am certain that he'll appreciate it. I mean, he's the guy that directed Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter.
June 7, 2011, 3:30 p.m. CST
Obnoxious black people are still okay, right?
by magic_ninja
I'm sure if this woman had been black, the Liberal White Guilt Brigade wouldn't have had the balls to tell her to GTFO and she should as shit wouldn't have been made into a PSA. Love the double standard.
June 7, 2011, 3:40 p.m. CST
by BSB
Problem solved!
June 7, 2011, 4 p.m. CST
I wish Seattle theatres had this policy
by King_Midas
As it is, I'm forced to go to the first showing on Sunday morning when all the families are in church and all the annoying fucking teenagers are sleeping. It works well enough but for certain movies, an opening night crowd can actually make the experience more enjoyable (provided they are into movie and not just there to hang out with their numb-nut friends and act cool). I actually miss Friday night movies. God, I hate teenagers.
June 7, 2011, 4:09 p.m. CST
by THE_CHOPPAH
Nice false equivalency there!
June 7, 2011, 4:10 p.m. CST
Rather ... straw man argument!
by THE_CHOPPAH
June 7, 2011, 4:14 p.m. CST
Love that the race card's being trotted out.
by RobertoInfinite
June 7, 2011, 4:14 p.m. CST
BSB BSB BSB BSB - There's some attention for you too.
by RobertoInfinite
Now go crawl back into your hole.
June 7, 2011, 4:16 p.m. CST
In my experience it's always teenage white kids with their texting and annoying chatter/laughter...Just an observation
by RobertoInfinite
And I can definitely see them turning into the dumb broad in the video, with her messed up sense of entitlement.
June 7, 2011, 4:37 p.m. CST
It's in black people's culture to talk in movies
by Nabster
And it's not JUST black people. It's in many cultures. If you go to the Middle East or Asia, people will talk through EVERY movie. It's just part of the culture. For Black people, and many of these third world countries, going to the movies isn't about silently enjoying a cool movie. It's about a group experience of laughing and making smart ass jokes. Anyone who has seen a movie in a ghetto black area in the US, knows exactly what I am talking about. But they provide this same problem in almost any theater. Obviously, I've come across many people of all colors that talk. But I consistently have problems with Black people in theaters, because they genuinely have different objectives when they watch a movie.
June 7, 2011, 5:21 p.m. CST
by BSB
I knew I could count on you, homestyle. Cheers!
June 7, 2011, 5:29 p.m. CST
Secret to staying away from texters, talkers, and anyone else for that matter...
by SauceDiesel
...is go to a matinee showing early week. Theater is empty. Awesome.
June 7, 2011, 5:54 p.m. CST
by BSB
I don't care if you ARE a marine - this could happen to you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDGvG6VlPb4&feature=related
June 7, 2011, 5:58 p.m. CST
by BSB
I'm sorry you had to even ask that question, sir.
June 7, 2011, 6:04 p.m. CST
Between the kids on this site making mock controversial statements (BSB) and playing the role of the guy shaming all of us nerds in an attempt to show us how cool he is (natalieportmansblahblahblah)...
by RobertoInfinite
I'm thinking you need to extend that theater's policy to the stupid trolls on this site.
June 7, 2011, 6:07 p.m. CST
by BSB
June 7, 2011, 6:10 p.m. CST
by BSB
Society 1, Hoebag 0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GxfoQPYrOU
June 7, 2011, 6:10 p.m. CST
No you need to be shown the door for your incessant fucking trolling, you little asshole....
by RobertoInfinite
June 7, 2011, 6:18 p.m. CST
by BSB
Did you have a relapse, 'berto?
June 7, 2011, 6:24 p.m. CST
Um wrong - I decided to stop debating with a moron who believes someone with fixed papers could become President of the United States
by RobertoInfinite
June 7, 2011, 6:30 p.m. CST
So here's the thing about the Alamo Policy
by TheNotoriousDRB
Good theater, been there a couple times, I dug it alright. Now. If you want to boot someone for texting or talking, fine, sure, whatever. Just give them their money back. The reason they gave you money was to come into the theater. If you want to be a hard ass about your rules, which you have every right to do, you can make the situation much smoother, while delivering the best possible customer service to even the most disgruntled of customers by simply giving them a refund. Show the patron that their money is also not welcome. Do that, and you can kick out whomever you want. Fair is fair. Everyone who is being a smart ass and screaming for death and other retarded bullshit...get a hobby. A hobby that doesn't require you to be an asshole.
June 7, 2011, 6:32 p.m. CST
Depends on the Alamo Drafthouse.
by blueant
I live in Austin and I haven't always had a good experience at the Alamo Drafthouse. It was packed one night and some drunken yuppie douchbag b#tch took my seat. The $8 an hour employees couldn't care less, so I demanded my refund, stormed out and I enjoyed my movie in Round Rock. Bit of a drive but I was happy. I figure it's not always that way at the Alamo Drafthouse, but I think ANY theatre is decent when there aren't that many people watching.
June 7, 2011, 6:37 p.m. CST
robertoinfinite: BSB believes only one thing.
by THE_CHOPPAH
That CHOPPAH knows and rules all. It's time you fell into line, too. Now harden the fuck up. Thus spake CHOPPAH-thustra.
June 7, 2011, 7 p.m. CST
the_choppah: Between you and BSB - who's whose bitch now?
by RobertoInfinite
It's a little confusing between you seeming to come to his defense and you asking me to "harden...up".
June 7, 2011, 7:41 p.m. CST
robertoinfinite: If you don't know ...
by THE_CHOPPAH
... now you know. KNEEL.
June 7, 2011, 7:56 p.m. CST
by BSB
The front's all yours, 'berto.
June 7, 2011, 8:01 p.m. CST
Troll on trolls...I've wasted enough of my time on morons today.
by RobertoInfinite
June 7, 2011, 8:06 p.m. CST
robertoinfinite: Don't knock it till ya try it, hombre.
by THE_CHOPPAH
June 7, 2011, 8:11 p.m. CST
by The Hand Of The Choppah
June 7, 2011, 8:25 p.m. CST
We're hard up for ladyboys these days.
by THE_CHOPPAH
Make it so.
June 7, 2011, 8:49 p.m. CST
by ToughGuyRizzo
Very funny sizzlechest! lol
June 7, 2011, 8:53 p.m. CST
How about stupid fuckin theater managers....
by spidar40
Saw Piranna3D opening nite awhile back. Packed house. The 3D was VERY noticeably DOUBLE-IMAGED right from the opening credits and did'nt get fixed until the last 20 minutes of the film. What made the whole thing unfuckinbelievable was when i announced loudly at the opening credits, ''fix the 3D please'' and half expected the crowd to audibly agree - nope. I let 15 minutes go by, still NO fix and not a soul complaining -i could'nt fuckin believe what a bunch of BLIND fuckin sheep i was watching this movie with! ....so i let 'er rip with, ''really? am i the only one here that notices this? ...really?? ...again, expecting a, 'ya' or a, 'fuckin shut up' -SOMETHING! I leave to inform management (politely) that there's an issue and as i said earlier, nothing was fixed till the last 20 mins. The one good thing was complaining AGAIN after the movie scored all 4 of us 12 comp. tickets for ANY event at the theater...12! That made the blurry 3D titties worthwhile.
June 7, 2011, 9:13 p.m. CST
The Belcourt in Nashville
by maxjohnson1971
has the same policy. They announce it before the movie and you WILL be removed for violation. Weren't there some AMC or Regal theaters that were using the signal blocking paint recently too? Use two coats!
June 7, 2011, 10:48 p.m. CST
haven't gone in years
by abe
I haven't gone to "see" a movie in years. For exactly this reason. I have my own professional looking and functioning movie room. Who needs anyone else ruining it?
June 8, 2011, 1:32 a.m. CST
She's obviously a liar
by corplhicks
Flashlight?? Then comments about texting.. Flashlight is one thing if the theater is good and dark, that will take about 1 minute or so to find a seat that way. But lighting up and texting annoys people behind and to the immediate side of you a lot. 99% of the time I am a victim of this, it is some young woman who is a narcissistic moron. I agree, have security patrol theaters during movies--anyone texting is OUT. Also, no more young kids in R movies because parents are too dumb or too cheap. I think it should be one grade away, so ONLY 13 and up in R with parent only. under 13? get out !
June 8, 2011, 2:07 a.m. CST
AMC topic to implement a similar, Alamo Drafthouse, "Zero-Tolerance" policy for theater texting/talking
by Zardoz
I started this topic on the AMC website to try and get them to implement a similar policy. Go to this link to support it, or "like" it on Facebook or re-tweet it. (or start your own topic!) The revolution starts now! http://getsatisfaction.com/amc_theatres/topics/zero_tolerance_policy_for_texting_and_talking_during_a_movie What do we want? No texting! When do we want it? Right fucking now!
June 8, 2011, 2:12 a.m. CST
There used to be an Alamo Drafthouse type theater where i live
by AsimovLives
It was even the biggest screenroom in my country. Then tragedy happened and it never reopened.
June 8, 2011, 2:17 a.m. CST
"I saw APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX and BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT at the Ziegfeld"
by AsimovLives
Awesome! Now that's two movies that should be seen in the biggest screens.
June 8, 2011, 7:30 a.m. CST
I've only been to Alamos a few times. . .
by fireclown
As I live in Maryland, but I do stop by when I'm in TX. I love your policy on this, and I've loved the PSAs. I love that there is someone out there who cares about movies, and takes this seriously. Keep it up.
June 8, 2011, 8:28 a.m. CST
Weird stuff
by Jason
I check out Gizmodo and the article they have about this incedent but I swear the comments posted in there are identical as in verbatim to the comments here as if someone just cut and pasted them minus any of the profanity of this site.
June 8, 2011, 9:38 a.m. CST
I asked for a refund and I got it.
by cookylamoo
When I found out Battlefield L.A. was a shaky cam movie.
June 8, 2011, 10:44 a.m. CST
Using Phone as a Flashlight?
by achapin14
Sounds like she came in when the lights had already come down. She should have been in her seat earlier. I hate when the late people show up almost as much as the texters and phone callers!
June 8, 2011, 10:47 a.m. CST
Chill out.
by TheNotoriousDRB
Contrary to popular belief, movies are a social experience. We don't go to movie theaters with a group of people because we like the feeling of cinemuck sticking to our feet, or enjoy waiting in lines to pay for overpriced popcorn. We don't do it because we like to sit through fifteen minutes of previews and then forget what movie we're watching. We do it because we like to go out. We like to go out with friends. And it's a public arena. Yes, privately owned, but you're going to bump into a lot of people you don't know. You're going to have to deal with other people who have just as much of a right to be there as you. When you are in public, around your greater community, mutual respect is key. And mutual respect is not defined as "If you mildly annoy me even once, you deserve the full extent of my not inconsiderable rage."
June 8, 2011, 2:02 p.m. CST
Cool news, but it took long enough for it to be here.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
It was up on Yahoo for a while. I thought for sure League would give Harry a call or something and say check this out.
June 8, 2011, 2:09 p.m. CST
She didn't know huh? That's why they had to tell her twice.
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
Get it through your thick skull nobody wants to hear you talk, or see you text during the movie. It's a distraction. It's that simple. Get it out of your system during the trailers.
June 8, 2011, 2:10 p.m. CST
thenotoriousdrb. Nope, once the movie starts
by Grammaton Cleric Binks
the gloves come off.
June 8, 2011, 3:37 p.m. CST
That's why Orcus does the matinee thing 2 weeks after the movie comes out
by orcus
1) You avoid a HIGH percentage of assholes 2) That and Orcus is a cheap bastard :)
June 8, 2011, 4:57 p.m. CST
This is the best thing I've seen all week :D
by Grimmjow Jeagerjaques
Anyone who doesn't get why this is a great policy and an absolutely AMAZING PSA is just a fucking retard. I've actually got a story BETTER than Enricobalazar's. Back in the day when Team America: World Police was in theaters, a guy brought in a kid who was no younger than 10 years old. Not only did he stroll in during the middle of the movie, he came in during the puppet love scene. With an elementary school kid. During the "puppets fucking scene". That's Father Of The Year right there baby. Luckily he was gone in less than 5 minutes considering this was Team America we're talking about ("Fuck Yeah" indeed :D ). I made sure to laugh at him on his way out. I've seen my share of shit going down in theatres, a mom leaving a screening of Spider-Man 1 on account of her screaming bratty baby (the whole audience applauded LOUDLY at her exit, me included). A bitch-ass little kid talking loudly to his bitch-ass little sister and pointing at the projector with his arm directly in front of my face during a screening of Hulk. When I talked about this in a "Minors Should Be Banned From Theaters" thread, on Animeondvd.com and mentioned I wanted to tear the little bastard's arm off, one of the forum members got his panties in twist about my comment and the thread in general. Luckily the bastard kids' mom got the hint that her children failed at life and left the theater before I had to switch seats. Plus I don't post at animeondvd.com anymore seeing as they're a bunch of morons. But yeah, this Alamo Draft House PSA is just full of win. I don't get why anyone would even defend the little whore ball who got kicked even in jest but there are some sick people in these Talkbacks. I don't see how they live with themselves actually. I think I'm going to save that ad to my Youtube favorites account. It's just too hilarious to forget about. Wish I lived in Austin, the Drafthouse would get all my business.
June 9, 2011, 12:34 p.m. CST
What a...
by NightArrows
...stupid, ridiculous little cunt. DIAF Bitch. You are obviously too stupid to understand how to live within the confines of polite and INTELLIGENT society. I hope Darwin sends you an award REAL soon. Awesome respons by the theatre too. Fuck me... what a stupid little bitch...
June 10, 2011, 9:04 p.m. CST
News Story on this...
by tommy_riley
Top Talkbacks
- Who is in consideration to take the role of Snake in the ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK remake!?! -- 676 total posts 53 posts
- The Friday Docback Crawls 'Into The Dalek'!! Reader Reaction For DOCTOR WHO S08E02 Is Here!! + HornOrSilk's 'Breaking Bubbles and Other Stories' Big Finish Audio Review, Clips, And More!! -- 404 total posts 38 posts
- DOCTOR WHO 8.2!! 'Kelvington' Reviews This Weekend's Episode And Says He's Not Sure He Enjoys 'What The Show Is Becoming'!! -- 360 total posts 25 posts
- WALKING DEAD!! BOARDWALK EMPIRE!! AGENTS OF SHIELD!! STAR WARS REBELS!! SOUTH PARK!! NEW GIRL!! HOMELAND!! GOTHAM!! FLASH!! SURVIVOR!! RESURRECTION!! PARENTHOOD!! BURGERS!! BLACKLIST!! BANG!! VOICE!! SLEEPY!! PERSON!! UTOPIA!! ANARCHY!! Z!! More Than 200 Autumn Premiere Dates!! -- 36 total posts 19 posts
- A Few Promo Images From EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS Bring Ridleyish Spectacle!! -- 210 total posts 19 posts
- Final PICKS & PEEKS of Aug 2014: LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE, Zombies, FOSSE, RATS, Nukes & Teens!!! -- 359 total posts 12 posts
- Abortionist Killers On PBS!! HOUDINI Hits History!! Angie Returns To THE DOME!! New DALLAS, PARADISE, WOLF, WILD, MASTERCHEF, MODEL, NINJA, HOTEL, BEACH, & RAW!! PARTNERS & MISTRESSES Finales!! UNAUTHORIZED SAVED BY THE BELL STORY!! Annaleigh Ashford On CRAIG!! Herc's Monday TV Talkback!! -- 11 total posts 11 posts
- A New Clip From STAR WARS REBELS!! -- 10 total posts 10 posts
- Will there be a change of roster in Avengers: Age of Ultron and if so, who's gonna be on it? -- 308 total posts 9 posts
- Is this what Doctor Doom looks like in Josh Trank's FANTASTIC FOUR?! -- 318 total posts 9 posts