This year I made a concerted effort to watch more movies at the theater. I’ve already seen five movies this year. I plan to watch more in the upcoming months. Aside from the growing and ridiculous jump in ticket prices (which is why I like to go to an earlier showing that is relatively cheaper) I have a problem with the current movie experience. I have a problem with the time my movie starts.
The last couple of years I’ve noticed that movie trailers begin at the time the movie should begin. I am old enough to remember a time when a 7:00 pm movie started at 7:00 pm. What happened to those days? Nowadays movie trailers begin at that time. Every time I’ve gone to watch a movie this year (no matter the theater) the actual movie didn’t begin until at least 20 minutes after it was supposed to begin. And this little tidbit annoys me.
A few weeks ago, the co-hosts of ABC Chicago’s “Windy City Live” (you should check them out) discussed the question as to if movie trailers themselves should be shortened. The question helped generate the idea for this post. Some people like the fact the movie doesn’t start on time because they are always running late. Others would prefer they start on time.
I concur with the later viewpoint. Why should I have to wait for my movie to start to accommodate those who are late to watch the movie? I like to go early to get a good seat. Sometimes I have to wait more than 40 minutes for the movie to actually begin. I think it’s ridiculous. The length of movie trailers per se doesn’t really bother me. The fact they begin when my movie should bothers me.
Speaking of movie trailers I’ve seen quite a few of them this year. Just a quick rant to Hollywood producers: “please be somewhat original.” The upcoming movie “R.I.P.D” starring Ryan Reynolds looks like a rip-off of “MIB.” Liam Hemsworth’s new movie “Paranoia” looks like a combination of “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and last year’s “Cosmopolis.”
All I know is if movie companies want me to continue to pay exorbitant amounts to watch their movies then they should at the least honor their commitments (especially if they want people to pay $50 to watch it). Movie trailers should start 20 minutes before the main feature. You know, like it used to be. Yes, I know this will probably not change. However, it does not deter me from venting my frustration. I have a feeling I am not the only one that feels this way.
Are movie trailers too long?
Do you prefer movies to start on time?
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Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate
