Mike Scott's Blog : Crying babies at movies... <grrrrr>

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Mike Scott's Blog

Crying babies at movies... <grrrrr>

O.K. Here comes a rant! Fair warning...

At last night's screening of "Bride Wars" at Edwards Riverpark... a nice couple brought their little baby to the movie. Fine. I have no problem with quiet babies. Babies that silently watch the huge screen, fascinating by all the moving colors. Babies that fall asleep in the mother's arms.

What I do have a problem with - is parents who don't take that baby out of the theater, when he/she starts talking, crying, screaming, squirming.

The entire first half of "Bride Wars" was nearly ruined for me, and for several dozen other people around me, by a fidgeting, noisy little baby sitting in his parent's lap. The noise wasn't loud, but it was just loud enough to be annoying and distracting. And it went on and on and on and on...

Finally.... the movie studio representative at the screeing - sensed the growing anger in the audience, and asked the couple to take the baby outside. They did.

Then they came back in. They they went back out. Then they came back in. Then back out.

Seriously, they won't need to go to a gym for awhile, after climbing up and down all those stairs over and over and over!

Do I need to tell you - how this experience distracted me from enjoying what was a pretty funny movie?

So, anyway... before I get jumped on by every parent out there: Believe me, I understand. Babysitters are expensive, and you can't always afford one if you want to go the movies. Most parents, thankfully, are considerate enough to quickly take their babies out of the theater, if they start crying. But, as we saw last night, that's not always the case.

If you pay $10 to go the movies (that's $40 or $50 for a family, with popcorn/drinks/etc.) - shouldn't you expect a quiet, stress-free experience?

Even at a 'free' screening, like the one for "Bride Wars"... does one family have the right to ruin the movie for everyone else?

(Don't even get me started on cell phones - or people texting during films!)

I eagerly await your comments!

(To comment: You must be a member of our website. It's easy to join! Look for the 'sign in' or 'join' links at the upper right hand corner of this page. Once you're a member, click on the title of this post - "Crying babies at movies... " - then scroll down to the "comments" section.)

Published Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:49 AM by Mike Scott

Comments

	Carole said: Mike, that's one of my pet peeves. But it doesn't stop at just babies! What about the parents who take their small children to totally inappropriate movies? Case in point: I went to see The Passion of the Christ when it first came out, and the theater was packed. Every seat was filled. I couldn't believe how many young kids were in that auditorium! I mean 3, 4, and 5 year olds! That was NOT a Disney movie, you know? It was definitely an adult movie - violent and scary for kids. AND it was subtitled. So what did the kids do? Ran up and down the stairs the whole time while their parents totally ignored the situation. And they screamed. And they cried. You have to wonder what planet the parents are from if they think 1) that movie is an appropriate one for kids and 2) that kind of behavior is acceptable under any circumstances.... A few bad apples from the teen scene can also ruin a movie for other people. But I have teens, and since I have NO idea what they do at the movie theater when I'm not with them, I'm not going to talk about bad teen behavior here. For all I know, my kids might be prime examples of what NOT to do! As for texting... I'm guilty of that. I tend to escape to the movies alone without notice, so the aforementioned teens might be looking for me.... <g> There are definite differences in movie etiquette between the east coast and the west coast and to an extent between Southern CA (as in San Diego) and the Valley. Sorry you had a bad time! Here's hoping parents will read your blog and see themselves in it. (Yeah. Right.) January 7, 2009 11:44 AM
	Mike Scott said: It just amazes me that this couple was totally indifferent to all the people around them, all the dirty looks being shot their way. It took somebody ASKING them to take the baby outside, before they finally did. January 7, 2009 11:49 AM
	JennyToste47 said: You know I HAVE to comment.. and I totally AGREE! Even though my baby is generally very good & mesmerized by new experiences, I haven't dared to take him to the movies yet. I'm not going to waste $10 if I have to leave with him (plus, it's just too loud for a baby--and Mike Scott already gave me PRE-glares for even mentioning the idea!!). Luckily, I have grandmas who are glad to see him instead :-) My husband has a different reason: "We're not going to be THOSE people." We already get enough looks for taking our baby to a restaurant. There, he is wonderful! He's only gotten fussy once, and I quickly took him to the restroom to feed & change him, before he returned a happy baby. Just because I'm a mom now doesn't mean I've forgotten how ANNOYING it is when others are distracting and loud--whether it's a baby in a restaurant, someone on a cell phone, or, in my case last night, a man talking WAY too loud at the restaurant because he thought he owned the place! (No, I don't want to hear what you have to say.) By the way--I remember when I was little I went to see "Beauty & the Beast." I was worried about the kids, but, surprisingly, they were all good--it was all the adults who were annoying, saying, "Oh look honey, isn't that neat. Oooh..." (Yes, they see it. That's why they're QUIET!) January 7, 2009 11:50 AM
	Mike Scott said: The bigger story, of course, is how RUDE our society has become. It's all about ME, ME, ME!!! Who cares if I'm annoying you? All that matters is ME! (After travelling extensively in Europe, you come to understand why many Europeans don't like loud, obnoxious, sloppily-dressed American tourists.) January 7, 2009 11:54 AM
	Carole said: You were LITTLE when Beauty and the Beast came out? MAN am I getting OLD! Okay, while we're on the subject of RUDE... here's another pet peeve: Oh heck, I can't even put a name to it. But here you go. I've attended many a school program - both as a school board member AND as a parent. I know how hard those kids work to put on a great performance for their families and friends. So WHY do parents and other adults treat the event as a social hour? They talk - and NOT in whispers, either. They laugh. They even turn their BACKS to pay attention to the parent behind them rather than the kids on stage. The last time I attended a program, I turned to a group of them and said "Excuse me, but these kids have worked really hard on this program, and I'd like to hear it. Can you please show them some respect?" I mean, HOW can we as parents (or adults) teach these kids respect when we don't exhibit it ourselves? Frustrating! January 7, 2009 12:30 PM
	Mike Scott said: Jenny was the "Beauty" in "Beauty and the Beast"! January 7, 2009 12:38 PM
	Corey Kielan said: Are you sure that wasn't Jenny and her husband? Ha ha... People have definitely become more rude. I work at Vons and it just amazed how many people have no manners. One other thing that irks me is the people coming through the line on their cell phone while I'm trying to ring them up. Can't people think of anyone else anymore? January 7, 2009 1:24 PM
	Mike Scott said: So true, Corey... As much as I appreciate the convenience of cell phones, sometimes I think our society would be so much better off without them. When I was at Disneyland a few weeks ago, it amazed me - everyone in line at every ride was talking on their cell! Instead of enjoying the immersive experience Disney spends millions to create, they're just yakkin' away. <sigh> January 7, 2009 1:36 PM
	JennyToste47 said: Mike, you're just trying to get points back for glaring at me previously--but I'll take it! haha Corey, people might reverse who's the beauty & who's the beast--my husband is hot! (And, sorry, I'm guilty of being on the phone while in line sometimes, but I still pay attention to the cashier!) Carole, speaking of school events, how bout graduations? People are so R-U-D-E then! They don't care about anyone else but their own child's name. January 7, 2009 1:41 PM
	zara47 said: Amen, Mikey!! Years ago, my hubby and I decided we'd NEVER be "those people" at the movies, too! I remember going to a 10 pm screening of a Denzel action flick, and the couple behind me brought their three-year-old!! If I can't find a sitter, then guess what - it's a Blockbuster night!! One of the rudest experiences I ever had was going to see "Shakespeare in Love". During the scene when Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes were reenacting Romeo & Juliet - during the suicide scene! - some guy answered his phone AND HELD A CONVERSATION! Ugh. I could go on and on... January 7, 2009 2:25 PM
	Mike Scott said: How about parents who take their kids to ultra-violent "R" rated movies? I was at one, where a little boy was absolutely terrified by the movie, and his parents told him - quote - "Shut up, it's only a movie!" Boy, you think that kid's not gonna have some serious psychological problems later in life??? January 7, 2009 2:39 PM
	Rachel said: I agree. A movie theater is no place for a baby. Don't the parents owe it to themselves to hire a sitter so they are able to enjoy the show? January 7, 2009 2:43 PM
	prmedia said: I find it interesting that the majority of people don't want to be "those people" yet there are still couples that go with their infant in tow. I agree that if you don't have a sitter don't go to the movies. But what do you do if you bought your tickets online? My understanding is you cannot get a refund should you not be able to attend. I'm not calling it an excuse as I have not had any infant children (my step-son was three when I met his mother) but it could be a rationale explanation. Now if your baby starts crying, which they usually do, be polite and step outside to attend to your child. They should come first after all. Here is a pet peeve I have about being in public with my son in general. I get really steamed when out with my family and other people start using profanity around us. We don't swear around our son but understand that everyone else in the world is free to do as they please. I'm just curious when being considerate towards others became less of a priority. Just my two cents. January 7, 2009 3:15 PM
	Mike Scott said: Consideration, politeness... out the window! Self-centeredness and obnoxious behavior... welcome to 2009! Ha! January 7, 2009 3:41 PM
	Carole said: I buy my movie tickets online right before I leave for the theater. If all my ducks aren't in their happy little row, I don't buy tickets. I also don't even ATTEMPT to go to a PG13 movie on opening weekend. You're absolutely right about the profanity. Just wait until your boy's in school! I've gone on campus at recess and heard absolutely horrible things come out of KIDS'S mouths! I mean, third graders using language that'd make a sailor blush! Another pet peeve: parents who let their kids do ANYthing at a restaurant at the sake of others' dining experiences. I'm not talking about a crying baby; that stuff happens. I'm talking about the three, four and five year olds (and older!) who chase each other around the tables, running into other people, knocking drinks over... totally out of control. Each of my kids tried that ONCE. That's all it took. Now they look at me with those eyes that say "MOM! DO something!" And all the parents do is look at their little darlings running around with those "Aren't Johnny and Jenny SO cute" eyes! Mike, it appears you've landed on a hot subject. WHAT fun! January 7, 2009 8:47 PM
	UncleRicky said: The problem is that good behavior can't be legislated. It might be inconsiderate of culture, race, sex or economic status. How dare you suggest that people who spend their good American money to see a movie don't have the right to be who they are? If they are loud, vulgar, uncivil and whatever else - perhaps you need to be more understanding of their situation, and of course, their human RIGHT to be loud, vulgar and uncivil. What makes you think that ANYONE has the responsibility to make YOUR movie-viewing experience more enjoyable? Try offering the lady with the screaming baby $20 to JUST GO HOME. Bet that works. ;) January 7, 2009 11:40 PM
	prmedia said: "What makes you think that ANYONE has the responsibility to make YOUR movie-viewing experience more enjoyable?" As human beings we all deserve a certain amount of respect toward each other regardless of how much money they have spent or their situation. January 8, 2009 1:01 AM
	Mike Scott said: PR: I suspect "Uncle Ricky" was being slightly sarastic with his comments. Do you believe we had more crying baby problems last night at the "Gran Torino" screening? Guess it's just not my week. <sigh> January 8, 2009 6:21 AM
	Carole said: Oh yeah - "Gran Torino" is exactly the movie I would want to take my infant to! In FACT, I'm expecting a grandbaby here in a few months. I think I'll start planning NOW for those special grandma/grandbaby bonding times in the theaters! Sorry your movie viewing's been a less than rewarding experience lately, Mike. I know how frustrating it can be. Uncle Ricky, you made me laugh. Thanks! January 8, 2009 8:50 AM
	JennyToste47 said: I'd like to add that crying baby at "Gran Torino" was taken out of the theater THREE times.. each time crying as they walked ALL the way across the theater! Hey, if you're going to come back inside, then stand back in the hallway, where you can quickly exit. NO excuse! About kids in restaurants--SO annoying. You can't even go to Denny's on a Sunday morning. And the parents think it's fine! (Yes, the 3-, 4-, 5-year-olds who like to run & scream). But you know what I don't understand? Parents who suddenly expect their kids to sit still and be good for an hour, when they've NEVER done that before! Hey, at least bring crayons! My mom ALWAYS had a coloring book on her, or at least a pen & paper! January 8, 2009 11:41 AM
	Mike Scott said: I always wonder - don't these parents remember the days - before they had kids - how irritating it was to deal with crying babies in theaters??? How quickly people forget... <sigh> January 8, 2009 12:03 PM
	zara47 said: Not all of us! And if I ever show signs of slipping, I expect you to reign me in, Mike. Quickly! January 8, 2009 1:13 PM
	Mike Scott said: Obviously this whole topic has touched a nerve with people. This blog post has had more than 200 hits since it went up yesterday! I think that's a new record for us! And it shows how many people are upset - about things like crying babies, and cell phones ringing at the movies. January 8, 2009 1:25 PM
	Mike Scott's Blog : Crying babies at movies… <grrrrr> \| All For Your Babies said: PingBack from http://allforyourbabies.info/?p=2178 August 25, 2009 1:01 AM
	Nicholas0311 said: Hey Mike I RIDE THE FRESNO AREA EXPRESS EVERY DAY And The Same Thing Happens On The Bus As WELL NOT Just IN MOVIE THEATHERS OR DEPARTMENT STORES The Wrose Of IT ALL Happens On Bus # 9 And I Can Tell You it Could Get Very Annoying And That is Why I AM TRYING TO AVOID THE MOVIE THEATHER ALL TOGETHER November 5, 2009 4:56 AM
	Mike Scott said: It's really too bad that some people have stopped going to the movies, simply because other people insist on taking their babies to the theater. I appreciate those parents who immediately take their babies outside when they begin to whimper. But I truly resent it when a parent just sits there - while their baby screams and cries. How ignorant do you have to be - NOT to realize that you're ruining the movie for everyone else in the auditorium??? November 5, 2009 10:15 AM