Kids at R movies

[BouncingTigger]

My last post reminded me of this...

When I went to see Alien vs. Predator a few weeks ago, I saw two separate families bringing young kids to this movie (which is pretty violent and features scary looking alien/monster things). One kid couldn't be more than three years old and the other one was five or six. During the movie, I heard them crying!

Another time I went to The Hills Have Eyes 2, which is very violent (not only do the mutants kill people pretty graphically, but there are also scenes of rape). Again, I saw pretty young kids there! These are just two examples - it happens quite frequently (though it depends on the movie theater I go to).

I personally don't see anything wrong with teenagers seeing rated R movies (with some exceptions). But these are little kids!

I understand that getting a babysitter can be expensive - but still! I'm not a parent, so maybe there's something I'm missing - any opinions?

[bleukarma]

I’m not a parent either but it drives me up the wall to see this! Not only are the kids being subjected to things that they probably shouldn’t be seeing but when they can’t handle it they start crying (which is understandable) and ruin the movie for the rest of the audience. I wish theaters would get more strict on their “no 17 or under for R rated movies” rule.

I remember when my brother and I went to see Spider Man 2. We got to the movie late and when we walked in we just sat at the first available seat. I happened to sit next to a kid that couldn’t be any older then 4. Of course when he got scared he would cry. But little kids have short attention spans so he was all over his chair (and mine) for most of the movie. I wanted to turn to the mother and ask her for my $9 back since I ended up paying more attention to her kid then the movie. But, I should’ve paid more attention and just not sat there. Now I pay attention and if there is a kid around, I sit elsewhere in the theater. I can’t inform other people of how to raise there kids, but when I have a kid it’s not going to happen. I’ll either find a babysitter or wait till the movies comes out for rent.

[thrillme]

You need a license to drive, you need a license to sell real estate, you need a license to sell food...but the most important aspect in the world...to bring a life into exsistance...you don't need a license to be a parent.

There are only a few sort years that your child will be little. The movie WILL come out on DVD. You're not off base here you're very right in what you're thinking. I think some may go thinking the child will fall asleep but that doesn't always happen. In that case they should leave but they don't.

I've taken my son so some PG-13 movies but only after they were carefully thought out. He's 12 now. He has seen the ORIGINAL "AVP" on DVD but only when I thought HE was ready for it (he sometimes likes movies with monsters etc). I guess he was about 10 at the time...all his friends had seen it and liked it so he was curious...but I figured the DVD I could turn it off at will (it wasn't THAT bad for a kid his age although if he were only 4 or 5...no way) No way would I let him watch something like the Hills Have Eyes.

Bottom line when you become a parent you have a little life that should be FIRST before selfish things like a movie. Sacrifices need to be made...either get a sitter or don't go. Alas...I've also seen little kids at some very inappropriate movies...movies that I think are even too much for me and there they are standing in line with their parents waiting to go in.

[mjaclyn]

My husband and I choose not to watch R-Rated movies because neither of us like excessive violence/gore/nudity/cursing, etc. I can't imagine bringing a young child to one! I've been surprised to see parents bring young children to PG-13 movies like Spiderman and Pirates. I too have heard these poor young kids crying because they're afraid. It's ridiculous how irresponsible some parents are!

[Ian]

This topic comes up every once in awhile and it always prompts me to tell this story ...

My GF at the time and I went to see the movie Ransom with a friend. In front of us, this woman sits down with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR children under the age of 10. I would guess the youngest was maybe 3.

So the movie starts, and (not surprisingly) the younger kids get scared. They start to cry ... loudly. The woman just sits there and does nothing, oblivious to the fact that A. her young charges (not sure if they were all hers or not) are terrified and B. that their screaming is making it very difficult for anyone else to enjoy the film.

So finally I say to her, "Ma'am please .... you need to take these kids out of here." She turns around and says, without batting an eyelash, "Bleep you. Who are you to tell me what to do???"

So I respond, "Oh that's a lovely mouth to use in front of your kids." at which point this little Marine-looking fireplug guy jumps up and gets in my face for "yelling at this poor Mother."

By this time, someone else had gone and gotten one of the ushers and he did end up removing the woman and her kids for disrupting the theater.

Anyway ... point being how long ago did Ransom come out? So-called "parents" have been doing this for a long time ... but what can you do? In a way she was right ... I can't tell her what to do and what not to do with her own children. There's no law against being a bad parent, even though there should be.

[ncscgirl2005]

It always surprises me when we are around kids and they tell me about R-rated movies that their parents have taken them to see. My kids know better than to even think to ask me. Sometimes the parents of their friends will ask if they can go with them to see such and such movie and my first question is always the same: "What is the rating of the movie? If it's above PG then no they cannot but I do thank you for the offer and for thinking of them".

[Terra]

This topic comes up every once in awhile and it always prompts me to tell this story ...

My GF at the time and I went to see the movie Ransom with a friend. In front of us, this woman sits down with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR children under the age of 10. I would guess the youngest was maybe 3.

So the movie starts, and (not surprisingly) the younger kids get scared. They start to cry ... loudly. The woman just sits there and does nothing, oblivious to the fact that A. her young charges (not sure if they were all hers or not) are terrified and B. that their screaming is making it very difficult for anyone else to enjoy the film.

So finally I say to her, "Ma'am please .... you need to take these kids out of here." She turns around and says, without batting an eyelash, "Bleep you. Who are you to tell me what to do???"

So I respond, "Oh that's a lovely mouth to use in front of your kids." at which point this little Marine-looking fireplug guy jumps up and gets in my face for "yelling at this poor Mother."

By this time, someone else had gone and gotten one of the ushers and he did end up removing the woman and her kids for disrupting the theater.

Anyway ... point being how long ago did Ransom come out? So-called "parents" have been doing this for a long time ... but what can you do? In a way she was right ... I can't tell her what to do and what not to do with her own children. There's no law against being a bad parent, even though there should be.

Holy cow I can't believe that guy defended HER!! I would have said the same thing too Ian...I mean come on...Don't you even care enough about your children and their young minds and what goes in to take them out if they are scared....geez....

And I've heard people say "Well I can't afford a babysitter..." to which my reply is "If you can't afford a baby sitter then you can't afford to go out"....

I think I did take David once to the movies....he was a newborn and nursing and it was a matinee where no one was [work day!] and it was a PG movie too...he he...
I don't take him at all now because #1 It IS disrespectful to the others and #2 he would never sit there for that long being a year old!!

I do take him to kid movies though from time to time...Like we'll go see the Veggie Tales movie...but it's a KIDS movie and appropriate....

I agree about having a license to be a parent...I roll my eyes at alot that I see anymore...

[pink]

It's scary what parents think is appropriate to expose there children to. I went to go see that movie Firewall when it came out and my DBF and I walked it after the movie had just started so we just decided to sit in the front few rows in order not to disturb anyone else. Well a lady came in after us with three young children, the oldest couldn't have been more than ten years old. She sat behind us and throughout the whole movie the kid kicked our seat, screamed, cried, ran around and it was so frustrating. I usually try to keep the peace among people but it was rough. This showing wasn't during the day either it was at about 10:30 on a Saturday night. Her kids shouldn't have even been up that late forget about being out and seeing an R rated movie. :confused:


And I've heard people say "Well I can't afford a babysitter..." to which my reply is "If you can't afford a baby sitter then you can't afford to go out"....

I agree. :mickey:

[Ian]

"If you can't afford a baby sitter then you can't afford to go out"....Couldn't agree more, but there are just SO MANY self-absorbed, selfish parents out there ... God forbid they'd have to wait for the DVD to come out ...

[Terra]

Couldn't agree more, but there are just SO MANY self-absorbed, selfish parents out there ... God forbid they'd have to wait for the DVD to come out ...

LOL....exactly! Shoot DH and I know our limits as parents so we belong to Netflix which is cheaper and we can watch movies AFTER the kiddo is asleep!

It really is sad that parents are that way though...to into themselves to care....wasn't in a previous post that said..."once you have kids that becomes your priority first? I so agree!

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

The only movies DH and I see in a theater are kids movies, seriously.;)

I took the kids to see Enchanted two weeks ago and the last movie we saw was Shrek 3.

We wait until our movies come out on DVD and we rent them in the comfort of our own home while our kids are in bed.

[PirateLover]

This is a topic that definitely lights my fire. I have two instances to share. One happened to my fiancee a few weeks ago. Coincidentally, he was also seeing AVP-R. (I wasn't there). Apparently a woman brings her infant child and a 9-year old girl. In order to keep the baby mollified, mom decides it would be a good idea to let the baby JINGLE HER KEYCHAIN through the movie. Of course the movie gets loud and baby starts to cry. Eventually the mother sends the 9 year old out to the lobby with the crying infant as she continues to watch the movie.

Another experience, at this same movie theater, was when I went with my fiance to see SWAT a few years back. It was rated PG-13 for violence and there were many loud action scene. A family comes in with a group of children including a baby. The baby cried off and on for almost HALF the movie. People in the audience started groaning audibly and eventually the mom got up and took the baby out. I just don't get people sometimes. I mean, seriously, how can THEY enjoy the movie with the kid crying right next to them? I would be so embarrassed....

[ncscgirl2005]

The only movies DH and I see in a theater are kids movies, seriously.;)

I took the kids to see Enchanted two weeks ago and the last movie we saw was Shrek 3.

We wait until our movies come out on DVD and we rent them in the comfort of our own home while our kids are in bed.


Same here. I can't even remember the last time DH and I saw a movie that wasnt a kiddie movie. We just wait for our movies to come out on DVD. And usually if I can't go see a movie within the first two weeks of opening then I just wait for it to come out to DVD.

[crazypoohbear]

If a parent want's to bring their kiddies to an R rated movie, then there is nothing "we" can do about it. The Rating is R for "no one under 17 admitted with out a parent"
BUT... as movie goers we do have the right to enjoy the movie undisturbed.
Therefore, as soon as the little kiddos start acting up it is "our right" to get an usher and have the noisemakers escorted out :blush:
We can't control what movies parents bring their kids to but we can complain when the kids disturb our enjoyment.
I have complained to the management/ushers when I've gone to see movies and people are making out like there is no tomorrow next to me. They have been told to either stop or leave.
Same premise, disturbing my enjoyment of the movie.
The same goes for talking on the phone or my personal fav. using your phone to video record the movie. I've seen people holding up their cell phones making a video of the move.
Now, come to find out my son who works at the movie theatre told me that the next time I see someone doing that to text him right away, if he catches them doing that he gets a $500.00 reward!
I've seen on the news that some theatres now have a number you can call to complain about issues, while you are in the movie. It goes right to a person at the theatre and the ushers come right in to resolve the issue. This way the perp doesn't see you leave and come back in with the ushers. No worries about "being a snitch"
So my advice is if something is bothering you during your enjoyment of the movie, complain and get an usher. It costs too much money to see a movie to not enjoy it.

[RedSoxFan]

I just can't imagine bringing a young child to a rated R movie. I very rarely let DS15 go to an R movie with his older brothers -- esp the raunchy ones. DD11 has only seen a couple of PG13 movies: Pirates. I'm trying to keep her innocent for as long as possible.

[2Epcot]

I have also experienced this more times then I can count. I have never understood why some parents bring children to R-rated movies. I enjoy seeing all types of films, so if I'm going to the latest Pixar film, I'd actually prefer to see it when an audience is full of kids, because I enjoy seeing how they react to the film. On the other hand, when I'm going to see an R-rated film, I don't want to be disturbed by young children who either don't understand what's going on to begin with, or are scared by what is happening. I don't have any ill feelings toward the kids, they will follow the parents. However, the second I see parents bringing young children into a R-rated films, I certainly form an opinion about them.

[SBETigg]

By this time, someone else had gone and gotten one of the ushers and he did end up removing the woman and her kids for disrupting the theater.

Anyway ... point being how long ago did Ransom come out? So-called "parents" have been doing this for a long time ... but what can you do? In a way she was right ... I can't tell her what to do and what not to do with her own children. There's no law against being a bad parent, even though there should be.

If her kids were disrupting the theater and your viewing experience, you certainly had a right to ask her to do something about it. But, yes, unfortunately, we can't tell others how to parent.

[Miss Mouse]

The only movies DH and I see in a theater are kids movies, seriously.;)

DH-to-be and I don't even have kids and we still see more "kid's movies" in the theatre than anything else! ;)

[Ian]

The only movies DH and I see in a theater are kids movies, seriously.;)Ha ha ... that's so true. When people ask me, "Have you seen such-and-such?" I always answer with, "If it doesn't start with Disney's ... I haven't seen it!!"


Of course the movie gets loud and baby starts to cry. Eventually the mother sends the 9 year old out to the lobby with the crying infant as she continues to watch the movie.That's insane. INSANE!! I'm not sure if that's against the law or not, but it darn well should be.

I'm sorry ... call me judgemental ... but if I was "The Ruler of the World" that woman would have had her kids taken away from her, been locked up, and the key thrown away.

To me, bad parenting is one of the worst crimes on the planet.

[merlinmagic4]

The only time we go to the movies is with our kids so it's been a long time since we've seen a Rated R movie (so I really can't have an opinion on children in the theatre during the showing of one) . However, I find the cell phone/texting more annoying than people in the theatre. We were at the new National Treasure movie and the girl across the aisle from me kept texting throughout the movie. Everytime her light went on my eyes were drawn to the side. Totally annoying.

[BouncingTigger]

I saw Atonement today and saw a young girl (maybe 7 yrs old?) in the audience. It was a good movie, but not really appropriate for kids. At least it wasn't scary...she just seemed really bored.

I agree that texting is SO annoying during a movie. AMC Theaters has a Kung Fu panda spot right before the movie starts - he warns people about texting and using cell phones. At the very end he points to the front left hand side of the theater and says something like "yeah, you with the texting. I'm watching you." Once I looked where he was pointing and there actually was a girl texting! She started laughing but also looked kind of freaked out!

[DisneyLuver91]

I'm sixteen and have only seen about 6 R-rated movies.

Only one of which was in a theater and I went with my mother who was holding my hand because of the gore.

But anyways, she had a hard time deciding whether or not to allow me to see the movie and I'm old enough to drive!

If you have kids under say, 13, that want to see an R-rated movie, right off the bat, say NO.

An old friend had a 3 year old brother that would go to all the Harry Potter and POTC movies with us. He wasn't afraid, but he turned out to be a violent kid.

Not the mention that he would always watch Austin Powers and thought swearing and sexual gestures were HYSTERICAL at age 5.

Point of this rambling, don't bring your kids to see movies that they are obviously not ready to watch.

[kakn7294]

I guess I'm one of "those" parents - I've taken my kids to all 3 Spider-Man and Pirates movies and they are currently 8 and 12. However, neither one was frightened, neither one cried, and both sat and watched (and actually enjoyed)those movies. I do question the movies they see and for the most part, they don't see anything rated worse than PG - and it usually is a Disney movie. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen an R movie in the theater.

[Terra]

I guess I'm one of "those" parents - I've taken my kids to all 3 Spider-Man and Pirates movies and they are currently 8 and 12. However, neither one was frightened, neither one cried, and both sat and watched (and actually enjoyed)those movies. I do question the movies they see and for the most part, they don't see anything rated worse than PG - and it usually is a Disney movie. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen an R movie in the theater.

now see....I see the Spidey and Pirates movies as more kid geared...[even though I love them myself!!:secret:]
So that wouldn't bother me at all in a theater!

It's the time I went to see Silence of the Lambs back in the 90's and a lady brought her 5 year old!!! I was floored...that movie scared me so bad I didn't want to walk out to the car!!

[ncscgirl2005]

It's the time I went to see Silence of the Lambs back in the 90's and a lady brought her 5 year old!!! I was floored...that movie scared me so bad I didn't want to walk out to the car!!


Woa...that movie still frightens me.

[LibertyTreeGal]

You need a license to drive, you need a license to sell real estate, you need a license to sell food...but the most important aspect in the world...to bring a life into exsistance...you don't need a license to be a parent.



You practically need one to be an adoptive parent though..... if they made bio parents do what we had to do before they were allowed to get pregnant it would be a different world, lemme tell ya!

Anyway, when I went to see The Passion (the last R-rated flick I saw), there were children everywhere, some toddlers. That movie was brutal, my six year olds aren't seeing it anytime in the next decade.

I remember seeing the first Batman movie (the first modern one, not the campy one, which my kids love), and how loud the opening credits were, with thunder and loud noises, and there was a terrified baby in the audience, sobbing. I mean an infant. The noise had the child in hysterics but the "parents" wouldn't budge. Grrrr...... guess they figured they had more of a right to be entertained than their child had to feel safe and secure.....

[LibertyTreeGal]

Forgot my most disturbing story. I used to volunteer for lunch duty at the school when my boys were in Kindergarten -- and had to listen to MANY of the boys talk about the Chucky movies.

I am too scared to watch those movies, and here they wre talking about watching it AT HOME.

And does it surprise anyone that these kids all had severe behavioral problems?

[mickey&missy]

And I've heard people say "Well I can't afford a babysitter..." to which my reply is "If you can't afford a baby sitter then you can't afford to go out"....

:thumbsup:


The only movies DH and I see in a theater are kids movies, seriously.;)

Us too! The last grownup movie DH and I saw in the theater was the DaVinic Code, the kids were with Grandma. The only reason we went to see it was because I REALLLLLY wanted to see it, I loved the book. Before that we hadn't seen a grownup movie in the theater in years, literally. I mean 2000 when we saw part of Gladiator in the theater and had to leave because I was pregnant with DD and had to be sick!

We take the kids to see children's movies many times a years. DS 7 months saw Ratouille at like 3 weeks old with DH and I and the 2 older kids ;) we got some looks from other people in the theater I have to say. But, I was completely prepared to take him out if he cryed. Needless to say he slept the whole movie.

[thrillme]

Looking at so many of these...we rarely go to a movie that my DS can't go to. He's 12 now but as I've said earlier I have taken him to a few PG-13 flicks but only after I was certian that the movies were something that I thought HE would like. Like Harry Potter, Spiderman, Evolution, Jackie Chan flicks (he LOVES those)...anything with a SuperHero theme. But the build up to these have been gradual and I've reviewed the movies beforehand. For some of those that I really didn't know anything about I checked with people who attended and quizzed them.

I started taking him to movies when he was 3...We started with Tarzan at the Dollar Cinema. I figured if he couldn't handle the movie or got up and wanted to move around we would EASILY and IMMEDIATELY leave. Fortunately he stayed GLUED to his chair, fastinated by the BIGGER than life screen, munching his popcorn and sipping a drink we shared. He TOTALLY loved it.

It's funny today he'll walk into a theater and I think he's more critical about parents than I am. He's quick to dish out dirty looks and eye rolling whenever he sees parents bringing in a too young child. It's sorta sad when a 12 year old knows better parenting.

[pink]

I agree that texting is SO annoying during a movie. AMC Theaters has a Kung Fu panda spot right before the movie starts - he warns people about texting and using cell phones. At the very end he points to the front left hand side of the theater and says something like "yeah, you with the texting. I'm watching you." Once I looked where he was pointing and there actually was a girl texting! She started laughing but also looked kind of freaked out!

I saw that Kung Fu Panda thing too, that's so funny that he actually pointed to a girl that was texting! I'm glad they have the reminder other than "please turn off your cell phones." :mickey:

[laughingplace<3]

I agree with everyone- firstmost, above them disrupting my movie, I feel bad for the kids. Those types of things probably traumatize them forever and is why they have nightmares, etc. Don't parents see that?!

However, the strict 17 and over policy for rated R movies is kind of harsh. Just as long as you use good judement (like bringing a kid who can handle it and is mature enough) then it should be ok.

[Ian]

However, I find the cell phone/texting more annoying than people in the theatre. We were at the new National Treasure movie and the girl across the aisle from me kept texting throughout the movie. Everytime her light went on my eyes were drawn to the side. Totally annoying.Not 100% related to this thread, but your post reminded me of it and it's in the same vein ...

At Candlelight Processional this year, we sat behind a guy who texted on his Blackberry throughout the entire show. It was the same thing for me ... the light from the stupid thing was so distracting it drove me nuts! I thought that was so rude and disrespectful. I agree with you 100% on this one!


You practically need one to be an adoptive parent though..... if they made bio parents do what we had to do before they were allowed to get pregnant it would be a different world, lemme tell ya!

Anyway, when I went to see The Passion (the last R-rated flick I saw), there were children everywhere, some toddlers. That movie was brutal, my six year olds aren't seeing it anytime in the next decade.Yeah, I kinda never understood that. They'll let any loser be a parent, but they make you go through "heck" to adopt one.

In regards to The Passion ... not to make excuses for the parents because I'd never take my kids to see it ... but many people may have looked at that differently since it was Biblical. If your kids go to church and they already have heard all the stories about what happened to Jesus, it might not be as traumatic to see it first-hand.

[DMApixie]

Gotta love the local Cinemark, I just wish more theaters would adopt this policy. It makes for a more pleasant viewing experience (IMHO). :thumbsup:

"No Children Under Age 6 Will Be Admitted To Any R-Rated Feature After 6:00 PM. No one under the age of 17 will be permitted into this theater on Friday & Saturday evenings after 6pm, unless accompanied by their legal parent. Parents MUST stay and watch the same movie with their child on those evenings. Valid IDs will be required to attend Rated "R" movies. You must be at least 17 years of age or have your parent accompany you to view the movie. IDs will be checked at the theatre."

I still think age 7 is too young to attend a R-rated movie, but it's a start. Not allowing anyone under 17 into the theater without their parents (not just an adult, but their own guardian) is a little harsh for the 16 and under crowd, but I'm sure the 17 and over crowd appreciate it. Of course, it does make one less place the 16U's can go on 'date night' - unless they take both sets of parents along. :popcorn:

[IloveDisney71]

Forgot my most disturbing story. I used to volunteer for lunch duty at the school when my boys were in Kindergarten -- and had to listen to MANY of the boys talk about the Chucky movies.

I am too scared to watch those movies, and here they wre talking about watching it AT HOME.

And does it surprise anyone that these kids all had severe behavioral problems?

I teach kindergarten and never ceased to be amazed at the movies some of my students have seen! They come in telling me they've see gory, bloody, scary movies. I just don't get it. What are parents thinking? Why would a five or six year old child possibly need to see such a movie? They're rated R for a reason! :(
Sometimes they've seen it at a theatre and sometimes at home.

[HollyB]

Can I add a sub-rant about movies and middle school? My son's 7th grade social studies teacher sent home a note asking permission to let him see a pg-13 movie. It was a modern comedy I had never heard of with a hip star, which I am sure she thought would appeal to some of the kids. I looked it up on kids-in-mind and asked around at work. It was described as incredibly raunchy and not suited for kids under 15 or 16.

I refused permission for my 12 year old to see it. He took it with good grace, but. . . I was upset for him that we had to single him out when it wasn't his fault. I sent a note to the teacher explaining that this was not a movie we'd show in our home to our children so I wasn't going to let him see it at school.

Most of the parents I spoke with hadn't seen the movie either, but assumed it was "okay" because it was coming from the school! And don't even get me started about how it tied into social studies because it was just a tenuous relationship to a subject they had covered in class. It was basically a "reward" day for the end of the quarter.

Anyone else ever had this issue? I'm all for showing a good film to enhance learning, but . . . There are so many decent (non-offensive) movies about the middle ages, that actually have some historical accuracy that I was really disappointed with the choice for that reason as well. I did manage to refrain from listing some better movies when I emailed the teacher, but as a history major, it was hard! LOL!

[alphamommy]

Long, long ago, when "Jurassic Park" came out, DH and I went to the $2.00 theater to see it. Before the movie, we watched as dozens of families with preschool-aged kids came in. The kids were all excited about the dinosaurs. I guess they were expecting Barney.

Anyway, the first time the T-rex roared, the theater erupted in screams, and at least half the adults jumped from their seats carrying sobbing kids out. It wasn't so much that they ruined the movie for us; I just couldn't believe the parents would take kids to that movie, regardless of the rating.

DD8 has seen the first 3 Harry Potter movies at home, not in the theater. We are debating whether to let her watch 4 and 5 (again, at home). She saw "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on TV when she was pretty small, but she played through most of it. She's also seen Star Wars 1, 4, 5, and 6. The only things she sees in the theater are kid's movies.

My SIL let her boys watch "Rocky Horror" at home at ages 7 and 5. I guess it takes all kinds...