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I didn’t see mention of this incident in this forum but today there was a newspaper article brought to the attention of the AVS Forum (from one of the forum members – not me).

There has always been ‘off-and-on’ conversations over the past year or so, regarding some “less-than-pleasing” experiences we movie-going patrons have had to endure at our local movie theaters.

Don’t know if any member here was aware of this incident but I thought you might want to read/comment on it - FWIW…
http://www.msnbc.com/local/kcra/A1665760.asp?cp1=1

Alysa

What are two 14 year old boys doing in an R rated movie without parents?

Actually, fourteen-year old boys (and girls, for that matter) are allowed in our theater to see R-rated movies. The R-rating is a recommendation by a group with questionable opinions and not a law by any means. We routinely allow youngsters into movies, regardless of the movie rating. There is nothing in MATRIX that fourteen-year old boys have never seen -- however, they should be safe from physical attacks from angry adults!

Although voluntary, enforcing the MPAA Movie Ratings policy is in the best interest of theatres:
http://www.mpaa.org/movieratings/index.htm
http://www.filmratings.com
http://www.natoonline.org/ratings.htm

For a R-rated film, "Under 17 required accompanying parent or adult guardian" doesn't just mean older friends.

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In my theatre we have a strict policy that no one under the age of 15 is allowed at any 9PM shows without accompanying parent - regardless of the rating of the film.

The reason for this policy is that in my area the "tweens" (10-14) tend to view the theatre as an alternative place to hang out, carry on, jabber on the cell phone etc. This is a generation which grew up with a flickering video image constantly "on in the background" and tend to treat the movie as just something else which is "on in the background" - much to the dismay of those who would actually want to watch the movie. Our policy assures that there is a time reserved when those who want to watch can do so relatively undisturbed.

BTW, we also strickly enfore the R rating and require accompanying parents for all shows of an R rated movie.

While my policies undoubtedly result in the loss of some patrons, those are the ones I am generally better without anyway.

I know that we've had this discussion before but I also fully agree that we must support the CARA rating system as it currently stands or we will be facing laws with fines. I am not looking forward to having every ticket buyer provide a birth certificate with a picture of his parents/legal guardian on it so that my teenage cashier can figure out if they can sell a ticket to this person without getting fined. If you don't want this to happen please, please, please set up policies which would at least generally follow the CARA recommendations. Under the current system we have the latitude to decide the fine points. If too many theaters don't follow the spirit of the ratings, we will all be legislated into following whatever a bunch of old guys in Congress think we should be doing.

Alysa,

Many of us have seen enough to know that this incident is not really that unusual. I can understand how people who have paid to watch a movie can get very upset with the antics of other audience members who fail to understand that they do not have the right to disturb others. Unfortunately the disturbed audience member acted in an inappropriate manner also.

The statements made by the kids sounded just like the ones I hear from kids that I have asked to leave because they are creating such a ruckus that no one can peaceably enjoy the movie. Don't believe that they were that innocent.

I'm sure that the "boys" are just angels! I'm sooo sick of all the pathetic liars out there, its amazing to me that a parent can raise someone to be rude, vandalize, ripoff, mouthoff, etc. We kick out a lot of kids for excessive loud talking, laughing, using straws and napkins to make spitballs, dumping popcorn and soda. Now before someone tries to defeat these kids, let me make one thing clear....over 90 % of all vandalism to our theatre is caused by kids. And when the parents get called in, its always OUR fault, or "your theatre is so old, how can you think of charging me that much to repair their damage?". We have finally installed cameras in our lobby and concession area to back up our claims. And yes, we perform numerous walk thru's during each and every showtime. Of course, look at all the parents that try to bring in their own snacks, soda and or beer. They must think we are stupid, as they usually bring in a huge purse with it stuffed to the gills! We call in the authorities on any and all alcohol violators. They last time we were told to let the patron take their beer to their car, and then they were pulled over and nailed for DWI. Boy, that was an expensive night at the movies. Sorry about getting off track on the subject.

We enfore the R rating as well, but do not make sure the older person with a child is their parent or guardian. If they are 18 or older, we make it clear they are responsible for the minor (and his/her actions) while at the theater. We make them sit together, as well. We do our best to make sure the adult does know the child, and have turned people away when the grown up didn't even know the teen's name!

Hi Everyone,

The incident at the Manteca Theater has provoked some very interesting and lively discussion by some AVS Forum members. Most agree that these kids probably provoked the situation but also felt that this guy’s action was totally out of line. One member just posted that he was assaulted in a theater.

Don’t know if it’s appropriate in this forum, or if any “owners” are interested, but it might make for interesting reading – if you want to take a peek. I know for a fact that if any theater-owners “registered” and posted your experiences over there, they would love to hear from you (presumptuous of me, isn’t it?).

Anyway, the link/thread to that specific discussion (if interested) is:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=6c6e4ee82b7d8af464f13f9ca84258d7&threadid=271935

Alysa