Cell Phones at the Movies

United States
October 17, 2012 11:19am CST
So, I went to Argo the other day with my parents and sister, and something that happened amused me. You know all the commercials and ads before the previews start? Well those had JUST ended, and the first preview wasn't even starting yet, and this old man in our row (high up) yelled down at a guy in a lower row, "turn off the cell phone." I looked over, and yeah this teenager had his phone on, but I was still kind of like, come on guy, the previews haven't even started yet, calm down. But then, halfway into the movie, someones phone goes off, a loud classic "ring ring." I looked over and guess what! It's the old mans wife's phone! Hahaha! I was kind of like, really dude. You yell at that guy for his phones light before the previews, but your wife's phone goes off during the movie?! Hypocrit much!?! Any of you have stories of grumpy people in movie theaters? Lol
3 people like this
9 responses
@911Ricki (13588)
• Canada
18 Oct 12
I know here a preview comes on saying shut all electronics off. I have had this happen while watchign a good movie, it sort of ruins it. But I agree someone like this guy yelling, then his own phone goes off.
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
18 Oct 12
In our country, I truly believe that only a very few number of people would actually their cellphones off in a movie, as they most likely just turn it to silent mode. I know I do that, too. I do not want to miss any important text or call, which is very ironic though because I wouldn't normally check my phone during the movie, only after it has finished.
• United States
18 Oct 12
I don't check my phone during movies either, but I do check it as soon as the movie ends and the credits come up. I always turn my phone to silent too. I figure that's just as good as turning it off as long as it stays in my bag, it won't bother anyone.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
18 Oct 12
Hahaha, wow, how embarrassing for this grumpy old man... I guess that is what he gets for NOT making sure his own wife's phone was off.. I rarely go to movies and usually I go later when it is not as crowded, so I haven't really had any stories to tell about seeing a movie other than the movie itself. Unless you want to count the time there was a problem seeing a movie. This was a LONG time ago, you were not even born yet. I was probably about 9 and my nephew was 4 and my mom and sister were taking us to see a Disney movie at the local mall. Now I might have the details wrong, but from what I remember, we went in to get a seat and every seat was taken. I don't know if the movie people were not going to give our money back or what, but I think my brother in law came and he argued with the manager and all I remember is, there was a lot of tension, and I can't remember if we saw the movie or not. So though my brother in law was not there to see the movie, he was there and grumpy...
• United States
18 Oct 12
That sounds like it would be hectic for everyone involved! But it would have been wrong of the theater not to give you guys your money back if you couldn't find seats together (especially with little kids, can't split up from them!) And I'm surprised whoever gave you your tickets didn't tell you ahead of time how full the movie was, and that you all might have trouble finding seats together! So I don't suppose you remember what Disney movie you were going to see?
1 person likes this
• United States
18 Oct 12
Sorry, it was so long ago, so long that I really wanted to see it. It may have been Snow White, and it was before VCR's, so what theaters did was to show a different (but already seen) Disney movie once a year during the Christmas season. I think the big issue, (I am vague about this too), was the manager may have said something to my sister that set my brother in law off. I never condone abusing anyone, but one thing I noticed during my sister's marriage, NO ONE said anything bad to her but him..So if a stranger was to call her a name, they would hear about it from her husband, but of course he was so abusive, it didn't matter...
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
17 Oct 12
Why did there not come an announcement on the screen telling everyone with a cell phone to turn it off or put it on silent mode while the movie is running? That would have been much similar. There was no need for anyone to scream and shout. Besides an announcement would avoid people getting up and going to the side or the lobby to answer their phone and miss part of the show.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
18 Oct 12
That is what upsets me. I can understand forgetting or in the case of the iPhone, pressing the little indicator forward instead of backward because you put your phone backward in the case, but these people who think they are the only ones in the theatre, and cannot even read or hear the announcement. So why are they in the movie theatre in the first place?
@choybel (5042)
• Philippines
17 Oct 12
I can't remember anything of the sort as of now, but I can't help but wonder how the old guy must have felt. I'm pretty sure I would have given out a short laugh or maybe an obvious funny look to the guy, just so to let him know that he should be careful next time.
• United States
18 Oct 12
I did laugh. I was more amused then annoyed at that point because of the irony of the situation. But usually cell phones going off in movies is more annoying then anything.
@dawnald (85146)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 Oct 12
Well there's an irony. I wouldn't say anything unless the teenager was actually talking on the phone. If it's on and he's doing something quietly, so what? Grumpy old man...
• United States
17 Oct 12
No the kid def. wasn't making any noise. I didn't even know he had his phone out until the man started yelling! That's where all the noise came from! Haha
@deazil (4730)
• United States
19 Oct 12
Hi Lily, that was the height of irony. I would have liked to see grumpy's face when his wife's phone went off. I wonder what shade of red it was. From your description of the "classic ring ring" it sounds like a Jitterbug phone. I have one. You know, the phone for old people that want a phone that's just a phone. And I have it set to the classic ring. It's quite loud even on the lowest setting. I like it because it reminds me of the 50's. Ah, nostalgia. But at the movies I shut it off. And no, I have no stories of grumpy people at the movies. But I've enjoyed reading yours! Give Tinkerbell a pat for me. She's fine, I hope.
• United States
19 Oct 12
The ringing was pretty loud! Haha. I tried to lean forward to see the old man s face, but he was sitting back against his seat, and it was too dark! Haha Tinkerbell is doing very well, thank you!
@sriroshan (2585)
• India
19 Oct 12
hey really this is very interesting and best part is that it shows how even she is old she loves and missing her husband.
@rafiholmes (2896)
• Malaysia
17 Oct 12
yeah..i understand what u mean.. But i got no similar tale to tell.. two things i hate while watching a movie..is cellphone ringing..and kids ..like young kids.2-5years old..running around..or talking while the movie is showing..like wheree is their parents..hello!.. curb yer kids..
• United States
17 Oct 12
I usually don't have kids running around in the movies I go to, but something I do hate is when parents bring their young children to horror movies (or any inappropriate movie)! The two ones that upset me the most was when people had their children in the movie 300 (with Gerard Butler) and the movie Jeepers Creepers 2. Both movies were graphic, and both were NOT GOOD movies for little kids to be watching. The kid's ages probably ranged from baby to about...7 or 8. Give or take. It drives me crazy!
@mariaperalta (19073)
• Mexico
17 Oct 12
Here in Mx people dont care. Movies say turn cell phones off but they dont. its bad here. I hate it alot.
• United States
17 Oct 12
I feel bad for you! I would hate that so much! I'd probably stop going to the movies and wait for dvd's if people were constantly on their phones during movies. That's no fun!