How to Deal with Annoying People at the Movie Theater

Going to the movies is an exciting event. It allows you to see your favorite flicks and new releases on the big screen in pure surround sound. Some people are scaling back on movies because of the cost and trying to stick to a budget, but the movies is still an inexpensive outing that can be affordable if you utilize special pricing and promotions. Lack of extra spending cash isn't the only reason why so many people choose to watch DVD's in the comfort of their own home -- there are many underlying reasons, such as dealing with obstacles and annoyances that take place right inside the movie theater itself.

Everytime I do venture out to see my favorite new movie release, it never fails there is one of the following annoying people at the show:

People who talk too loud or talk throughout the movie.

People who kick or tap their feet on the back of your seat.

People who bring small screaming children to adult movies.

People who spill their food and drink on you.

People who sit in front of you with a large head, hat or their big hair poof.

People who sit right next to you when there are several other seats available. then they talk and annoy the crap out of you.

People who get there way too late, split up with their kids and make the kids sit by you- then try to be a parent from two rows down by yelling back and forth.

People who yell obscenities when the movie breaks down and act like its never happened before.

People who leave stains and sticky stuff on your seat and you don't realize it until you sit down.

People who clap, cheer and act-out loudly throughout the movie.

People who make out and practically have sex in the theater and there are children around and other people who can easily see them (get a room)

People who constantly get up several times throughout the movie and walk in front of you and bang into your knees and step on your toes.

People who save seats for others when it is a sold-out show and there is no where for you to sit.

Last but not least, people who either tilt their seats back and hit your knees or they put their feet up on the seats behind you or even in front of you for that matter!

(Wow I really can't believe there are that many things that annoy me in the movie theater!)

Actually, the free kids shows are even worse! I can not leave the annoyances of the free shows out -- I have to touch on them for a second. In my hometown, we have a children's free film festival twice a year. At the cinema, they show newer movies that are no longer in theaters and all children under 12 get in for free and adults get their tickets for only a $1.00. The concession stand makes a killing when they host the free shows, because people actually have the extra cash to buy popcorn and candy. Sounds like a great deal doesn't it? Well plan on getting there well over an hour early, because the lines are atrocious and wrapped around the outside of the theater. The inside of the theater is an absolute zoo and many times the movies break down. If you really need to take your kids to an event like this, be sure to get there very early, expect lines and try hard to keep your sanity, maybe even expect to have a margarita (double) when you get back home for the night and the kids are finally in bed.

With all of that said, how do you cope with dealing with difficult patrons in the theater and how can you avoid conflict and have an enjoyable experience?

Off-time show times- Try visiting your favorite show at the theater when it is an unpopular show time such as a late morning show (10:45 AM), a matinee show (1 and 4 PM) and also a late show (11:00 PM) Not all movie theaters offer these times, but some of the larger venues do. The busiest time to go to the movie theaters is at 7:00 and 9:00 PM, if you want to avoid sex-crazed daters and rowdy teenagers, stay away from those popular times.

Avoid certain days of the week- If at all possible, try avoid going to the movies on Friday and Saturday nights. These are the busiest times for the movie theater. Saturday afternoons are the also the busiest day for matinee shows. Try going on a weekday afternoon if possible or also a weeknight at 9:00 PM.

Find the best seating- Try to sit in a row of seats that are big enough for your party. Sometimes there are rows of just four seats, if you have four people with you that is perfect. If you are easily annoyed by people constantly crossing in front of you then you may want to sit in the middle or by the wall. If you sit near the isle, you may have straddlers who bump into your knees when they get up to go the bathroom or concession stand or people with a large party of children who may ask you to move down. Avoid sitting behind tall people. Sitting in the very back in the middle of the theater is the best seat in the entire theater. You will have no one that will hit your seat from behind and not many small children will unlikely sit in the back. Many times, there is no one that sits in the very front of the theater except for if the theater is crowded. Avoid sitting in the front row, unless your neck is quite flexible.

Make your group work- Working together is essential when you are at the movie theater. Have one person go and find good seating while the other goes to the concession stand.

Speak with the cinema manager- If things get out of control with other movie-goers, do not try to take it into your own hands, go to the lobby and ask to speak with the manager. This is the safe and mature way to deal with bothersome patrons.

Following these tips is a sure way to help your next visit to the movie theater be a memorable one. Remember, keep your feet of the seats, turn off your cell phones, place your trash in the proper receptacles and enjoy the show!