That is probably my biggest pet peeve these days. I have a 10 year old and 12 year old. I have waited months to see movies and settled for them on DVD instead of the big screen because I do not believe they belong at PG-13 or R movies. Gosh, it sucks to be a parent sometimes, doesn’t it? Nobody forced you….

What a grouch. Pathetic. This movie is for both kids and parents. And if you have a problem with kids having fun at the movies, then wait and rent the damn thing. How egoticstical to place your pleasure above children to see their batman. Its pg13, which clearly means kids can see it if mom and dad are there. Did your parents ever do special things for you? Or did they make you sit at the dinner table everyday and eat your veggies. No wonder your so grumpy and bitter. Your just a Mr. grumpy ole Nelson!

Children should be behaved and mine was so keep your opinions to yourself and allow parents to decide if they want to give their kids a treat once in a blue mood to their child. Do not compare batman to drinking either…your stupid and should not be allowed to write columns.

Mark from Ohio

PG-13 is not R. PG-13 means; “All ages admitted, parental guidience suggested”. When Star Wars 3: Revenge of the Sith was released it recieved a PG-13 rating and some hamburger joint sold Star Wars 3 toys directed at children.
Furthmore since 1968, the 13-to-16 year old have been informed by their local theater they are old enough to pay adult prices, but, not old enough to see a R rated film without a parent or guardian, (so the theater sells two adult tickets instead of one), and they are not old enough to see an X/NC-17 film. The movie theater could say 17 and up pay adult prices, while 16 and younger pay children prices, but, they are not going to do so.
Preventing the children from seeing the critically aclaimed Dark Knight, will just make them want to see more.

Any child that can watch the news from Iraq and/or Afganistan can watch The Dark Knight.

I have been wondering this myself. It’s an epidemic that seems to be breaking out. At a movie like “Wall-E”, I expect small children being children. But when I go see a movie like “The Dark Knight” and there are kids that have truly no business watching a film way beyond their range mentally, and perhaps way too graphic and mature as well, I have to wonder what the parents are thinking. I know you’re really looking forward to this movie, as are most people above the age of 15, but come on. What happened to leaving the kids with a babysitter? Or the grandparents?

With the increasing popularity of home video and the descent of the popularity of the movie theater, why does it seem that MORE kids are running amok in a theater when they could be doing this at home instead and not ruining another person’s $8+ experience.

Eze, I understand that parents want to bring their kids to the movies as a treat. That’s not the issue here. The issue is bringing kids who are too young to be in a movie theater and causing disturbances to other moviegoers who paid good money to enjoy the movie.

I am sure you will appreciate that someone who paid good money to watch a movie does not want their moviegoing experience spoiled by a child crying loudly or being disruptive in a movie theater.

I agree that if you want to take your child to see a PG-13 movie, by all means you are the parent and decide what is and isn’t appropriate for your child. You can at least have the Parental Guidance extend to your childs Movie Theater behavior. How about teaching your child not to run around the theater, kick the chair in front of them, or talk to loud during the movie. I don’t think that is a lot to ask.

batman is not a movie for kids…it violent….go see Kunfu panda or something…

Well, gee…not everybody can afford the movie plus a sitter…and not everyone has a huge extended family just waiting to perform babysitting services.

But wait, we’ve just learned it’s all about YOU! Here’s an idea: If dealing with the paying public in a public venue offends you, then don’t go.

It’s just a given fact that you’re going to have to eat at a restaurant with someone who…say, weighs 400 pounds and is gross to you…or that you’ll have to swim in a public pool where other people’s (shudder) fluids will hopefully be diluted by the chlorine.

Get it?

If a specific child is disruptive, say something. Don’t assume all children and their parents have a personal vendetta to ruin your “cultural” experience.

There are two sides to this dispute and both sides are calling the other selfish. So, lets revisit the ratings. Yes, PG mean parental guidance, but the 13 on the end is the recomended minimum age. You can take a toddler to see an R movie, and people do, but the majority of children are not mature enough react appropriately to such movies. Now, I do expect to find children in the theatre of a PG-13 movie. I’ve come to except that, and, yes, taking the children to a PG-13 movie can be a treat for them. But, when I go to a showing that is 9pm or later, it starts to get on the absurd side when I see 10 year olds also. But, this, for the most part isn’t a problem if the kid is well behaved. The problem is, I’m an avid theatre watcher, and 9 times out of 10, the families that come to a late movie, with a PG-13 to R rating, do not usually control there children to well, and they seem to be to self-centered to care if it is bothering the other watchers. So, don’t forget that you are watching a movie with a larger group then just yourself, or go to a matinee.

If this is what you deem a “problem” then count your blessings.

Interesting topic, so I couldn’t help to weigh in on this. I am a father of three boys ages 1-5. Clearly they are not allowed to see movies like “Dark Knight just yet. However, it is my responsability as a parent to filter the appropriate content for my kids, so even if my sons were older unless I felt they are “ready”-(that means probably 13yrs old for a PG13..etc..) they will not see it. IMost importantly, it is MY JOB TO TEACH THEM THE PROPER BEHAVIORS inside and outside the house. Many partents are too busy with their careers and their “me time” to properly prepare their children on how to behave. The poor behavior in a movie theater by kids is an example of poor parenting at home and not wheter or not PG13 or Rated R movie. Again, if I take my kids to a movie they can enjoy than it is my responsability to have them behave appropriately. It has nothing to do with ticket prices as some people mentioned. Spend time with your child, so they can learn to behave, and they will not offend anyone in the theater.

Kalman

My impression was that the commentator was mainly referring to “small” children specifically, and in that, I agree. Parents need to be mindful of what they’re allowing their children to see, and of how that child will behave in a movie theater.

My husband and I went to an R rated movie earlier this week, and were astounded that the couple who sat down in front of us felt that movie was appropriate to bring their 4-5 year old daughter to.

I totally agree with Audry Irvine; parents should leave their very young kids at home because most of the time they are a distraction. It sucks when you pay $10.00 to see a movie and you can’t even hear the dialogue from the movie without hearing crying babies and over talkative children in the background.

children shoud be seen…not heard

i myself do not watch rated R movies and i have small children, but i think that some movies should not have children in them this being one of them. If it can trouble the actor who created the Joke to take sleeping pills, then it is probably not good for small children. ages 10, 11 12 you know your child and what they can handle so be a parent and decide for them!

I saw this movie last night. It is definately not for children under the age of 13. Great film but had some pretty disturbing stuff.

I believe that kids should be allowed into the movies as long as they are well behaved. I have an 11 year old that knows to sit and be quiet and keep her feet to herself. If your kids can’t behave, then don’t bring them.

I think that too many kids, and adults for that matter, don’t see the difference between seeing a movie in a theatre with a few hundred people, and watching a movie on their couch at home. Do you really need to react verbally to every clever scene. Get up to go potty every 20 minutes– do you do that at meetings at work? Do you really need to refill your popcorn, and walk in front of everyone– 10 minutes before the climax of the movie? If adults can’t sit quietly for 2 hours, how do we expect their kids to do the same.

But yeah, if you bring your kids to the movies, I DO expect them to be able to do that.

I think it’s totally up to the parents to decide if their child is mature enough to take to a movie such as this. Some young kids are well-behaved enough and have the mental capacity to underderstand a non-Pixar film. Each child is different. I urge parents to really use their discretion and think hard about how their child will behave in the theater. Screaming babies and children talking all through the film can really put a damper on things, but to suggest that ALL kids behave this way is unfair. Parents, you know your children….do what you think is best so everyone can have an enjoyable movie experience.

Recently I took my son to see a “kids” movie. Behind us sat an adult couple, they had no kids with them. That doesn’t mean they didn’t have any sitting on the front row though. I don’t know. The woman talked to her husband the entire movie. I asked her several times to stop talking. The theater staff asked her once to stop talking. After being asked by the theater staff I assume she was disgruntled so she would repeatedly kick the chairs of me or my son. There was not many open seats so stayed there and then complained again. They were finally asked to hold it down and one more complaint they would be asked to leave. While I agree a crying baby is annoying, along with cell phones, exterior conversations, and other movie going hazards such as junior mints or popcorn flying. Manners either from kids or parents and adults are what is lacking. If an 8yo wants to see Batman, fine with me. If he sleeps with his parents because he is scared that is thier problem. I expect kids to talk more but I expect anyone to have good manners no matter what kind of movie it is. America is running out of values like these. You can see it in our youth who wear thier pants around thier legs instead of on thier hips. Who blatently swear at and show no respect for adults. Because adults don’t demand it anymore. Ms. Irvine, you are a whiner who is worried about you. Worry about about America and where those kids are headed in a few years without manners and being corrected by thier parent who was sitting there. I only assume you said something to them. If you didn’t, you are at fault just as they are.

Eze, The point the author is making is that the movie is not appropriate for younger moviegoers. Since it is in a public space, you’re infringing on the rights of others to enjoy the movie. Batman is not at all appropriate for children. Try reading a review or maybe visiting a Web-site (gradingthemovies.com) to get an idea of whether this movie is right for your children.

It’s called parenting. Look into it. If you can’t get a babysitter, then rent a DVD.

Also, the reason why Audrey Irvine is more qualified to write a column than you is because she’s actually literate. Try using spellcheck or maybe even ‘The Internets’ to make sure you’re using the correct words or phrases (’Once in a blue moon”).

AMEN!!! Just becasue it says PG-13 does NOT mean it is necessarily appropriate for that age. And leave the young ones at home!!!

I remember seeing “Ransom” in the theaters, the movie where Mel Gibson’s kid gets kidnapped and is not treated nicely by his abductors. In the row behind me, a child probably 7 or 8. I remember thinking at the time that it borders on child abuse to bring a young child to a movie about a child kidnapped and abused. The child didn’t shut up all movie. Get a babysitter, spare the rest of us, and spare your child.

I agree I have seen people at like 8pm violent or scary movies with infants in one of those carry thing , and like a 3 or 4 year old as well, the old kid is screamming, the baby cry’s from the loud noises, and seat kicking can occur wih young kids. That is just crazy , I think some people’s judgement is seriously lapsed, if you want to treat them take them to Great Adventure, or to rent a movie. Courtsey is dead.

Taking a child ( age 0-5) to a movie of this nature (Dark Knight) is just totally wrong. The violence display is disturbing and can cause the child to have sleepless night which would become a proble for the same parents.

Leave them with a sitter or watch on DVD. Let children be children and not move them to fast.

I realize that this movie will be a block buster, even more so because of Heath Ledger’s untimely death. But reviews are saying it is very violent and dark, parents should value these perspectives and not take children. I’m not even sure that the PG-13 is a strong enough rating considering the reviews. I will probably wait for the release on DVD, and make a decision then whether it will be viewed by my 11 year old son.

People slamming the writer are obviously parents. If your kid(s) can’t sit there & shut up & watch the movie – they shouldn’t be there. No one (including adults) should sit in a theater & talk or kick seats. Movies are not cheap & nothing irritates me more then paying a small fortune to go see a movie & have it ruined by chatty people, people who aren’t interested in really seeing the movie but got dragged along or people who aren’t going to understand the movie & constantly ask questions. Wait until it’s in the dollar theaters to take your kids. Better yet – wait until it’s on dvd & let them watch it at home.

One of my daughters goes to movies on a regular basis. You wouldn’t even know she was there. The other daughter never gets to go beause she doen’t have the attention span & can’t behave. Even if it’s a movie that she really wants to see…she waits until we can watch it at home.

I bought advance tickets for Batman; 2 for my husband & I, and 3 for our kids, aged 16, 12, & 9. My children love adventure movies, and while I agree that there are some movies I would never take my children to see (those full of blood/gore), I don’t think Batman is in the same genre. My children have seen scores of movies wih adult themes in the theater, including King Kong and War of the Worlds(both also PG-13). I’ve taught my children how to behave in public, and their actions are perfectly appropriate. In fact, I’ve seen more complaints (and far more disruptive behavior) concerning groups of teenage (14-17 years old) boys in the theater than about any younger kids.

My problem with this is that at the midnight showing in my theatre last night, I counted 2 infants and at least 3 toddlers – all of whom screamed and wailed through some part of the movie. My questions to these parents are: Why did you not get a sitter or a grandmother to watch your little bundle of shrieking? You see that your child is being an obnoxious disruption – yet you sit there, oblivious to the crying AND the other audience members requesting that you remove the wailing child? Why were these children not in bed? – A child old enough to understand whats going on, ok. A yound comic fan is always welcome – but to bring an infant or toddler to something so late at night, and obviously not wanting to miss a few minutes of the movie by taking a screaming baby out of a theatre full of people hoping you spontaneously combust makes me question their parenting methods.

Honestly, for the midnight showing of Batman parents should consider the other people in the theater before they bring their kids (under 13) and especially babies to the movies. People work hard nowadays to have some form of outing, and the worst thing that can happen is for someone to go to the movies and have to be interrupted my little Johnny asking questions about the movie and baby Susie whining and crying because she’s hungry. You have to draw a line when it comes to movies like this. And nobody wants to hear your kids and babies destroying the experience.

If you have problems where you can’t go to the movies without your young kids then maybe you should go during a time where not many people are there. Wait a few weeks and then go see it after work or something. Don’t punish the ones who really get into movies like this. Not everybody has your tolerance level for YOUR kids. Give us movie-buffs the chance to enjoy our $9 at the movies.

Now correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t they advertise at the beginning of the movies to “Turn off your cell phones, keep the babies quiet, keep talking to a minimum”? I’ve seen people get escorted quickly out of a movie because they couldn’t control their mouth or their kids/babies. Let us enjoy the experience please…

I think that the adults should get first screening at these types of movies.

The worst is a kid just asking and asking questions about what’s going on and who people are.

The movies are for nerds who know who Batman is, who know who Spiderman’s arch rival Venom is, and who knows who Iron Man is.
I’m not saying kids don’t have the right to see them but it’s just annoying.

I guess I must be a horrible parent (sarcasm there) because I took our son to see DK @ MIDNIGHT to put it lightly.. I have taken him plenty of other times to see films such as this and other comicbook related movies. I see nothing wrong with it as long as he doesnt start actiing out. Hes 7 yrs old and is pretty darn smart for his age. He knows better because we are raising him as such, but theres no harm in my eyes for him to see such things.

In this world and todays society, everyone is so stuck up about the smallest things. Hasnt anyone noticed that there are a majority of things we all grew up learning that these days they are proving wrong? or different? Seriously.. if you can raise your children to whats right in your eyes….who cares what everyone else thinks…

“”What a grouch. Pathetic. This movie is for both kids and parents.”"

Have you seen the movie? Because it most certainly is NOT for kids. I would in no way recommend taking a child younger than 12 to this movie. There is a reason that critics are calling it the “Most adult superhero film” , it is because the content isn’t suitable for children.

This isnt family fluff like the fantastic four, this is a dark and disturbing movie that is intended for adults.

Eze,

Counseling MAY work for you. Also, if you’re going to call someone stupid from behind a monitor, at least learn to use Microsoft Word to correct your spelling.

IT HAPPENED during the MIDNIGHT showing of Batman last night. I was furious. The baby was screaming for about two minutes during an important scene involving all the main characters. It happened again during the final act, as well. Movie theaters should have adult only shows to avoid this practice.

Babies should never be allowed in movie theaters – the volume is high enough to cause permanent auditory damage.

Wow….I would be curious how many of the comments here, that are EXTREMELY defensive, do take there children to these movies, and at absurd hours. Common etiquette is not selfish behavior. Many people today live in the ME era and have forgotten etiquette. For those that don’t even recognize the word, here is the definition.

etiquette:
conventional requirements as to social behavior; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion

I know, most likely, this definition will still not help those that are defensive over the bringing of children to inappropriate showings. You need to know what is considered common etiquette first.

To quote something “I am as mad as hell and I am not going to take it any more. “

I see more disturbance issues with adults than kids in movies. I have needed to have management deal with 10 or so adults in the last 10 years, never have I had to ask management to deal with a kid. I still haven’t seen the middle of Xmen III because of 3 women who felt theirt $9 ticket gave them the right to yammer, and talk on their cell phones as loud as they pleased. They would not respond to 8 or so fellow patrons around them asking them to be silent. Management was slow to respond, and thus, I missed the middle of the movie.

Of course, if you ask them, I was an unreasonable tryrant infringing on their right of self expression, and violating their civil rights by complaining.

When same day as theatrical release PPV hits the market at a projected $50 a viewing, maybe theatres will take notice, and deal with the disturbances. When that $50 pricetag nears $30, I expect theatres to become ghost towns, and fold faster than banks in the Great Depression. (Along with a huge jump in sales of 60″+ HDTV’s and home theatre systems.)

If the kids can sit and behave quietly, who cares?

If your child is talking, running around, or otherwise being disruptive, then you need to leave.

Come to think of it, that applies to a lot of adults in the movie theater as well.

Amen, Curtis!

I have a 7-year old son who desperately wants to see the Dark Knight. As his parent, I know both his “subject matter threshold” and his attention span.

My husband and I have decided to have our children stay with their grandma Sunday night and go screen the film FIRST to see if it is too graphic, too deep, too violent, too long, too ANYTHING. If we feel it is a movie that he will enjoy, and not be traumatized by we will absolutely take him to see it.

As his parents, we have also spent 7 years working on his manners and judgement, so if we do agree to take this bright, well-behaved little man to see the movie, I would be quite offended to hear he has no right to be there.

He won’t kick your chair if you don’t kick his!

I think the problem is that a lot of parents don’t want to actually have to act like parents. It’s the death of common courtesy. Don’t talk in a movie theater, don’t drive on the shoulder, etc.

There’s no excuse for taking your child to see a movie that’s not appropriate for them. I saw Fargo and had a mother with a 5 year old and a 9 year old with her sitting in front of me. While watching Deep Blue Sea, you could hear a 5 year old asking questions. Did they want to see Fargo? No, the mother was just too lazy to wait for it to come out on DVD and watch it after the children go to bed.

Parenting means having to make sacrifices. If you can’t afford a babysitter, don’t see the movie. But somehow, it’s all about the parent’s enjoyment, not the welfare of their children. Sorry they’re such an inconvenience. Ironically, most of the adults I know who choose not to have children would make better parents than most of the parents I encounter.

I don’t mind seeing children in a movie theater. However, I DO mind when people ruin my movie-going experience. When I spend the outrageous amount to see a movie in a theater (one of my favorite things to do), I hope that the people in the theater can be respectful of others to the point that they act appropriately. Acting appropriately means not letting your cell phone go off, not talking loudly, and not running around or kicking the back of the seat in front of you.

If your child is well behaved, and can sit quietly and watch the movie, by all means bring them. But if you know your child will scream, talk, or run around, either leave them at home or do some parenting and teach them how to behave in social situations. If this means you have to leave the theater, so be it.

There are other people in the theater, and we should not have to have our money wasted when a person or two cannot behave.

For those of you looking forward to going to see that new hit flick that will have kids interest. My best suggestion as a 20 year old whom hates kicked chairs and crying kids as much as the next college kid, my suggestion is to aim late for your movie times. Kids DO have bedtimes, and any movie after 9 or 9:30 has a pretty good chance of being to late for most kids. And if it is to late for you then perhaps you should reconsider your own bedtime.

Definitely NO BABIES, those under those under 3 haven’t the capacity of remembrance anyways, and if you plan on putting them in a seat your not paying for that’s not right. Leave those babies in the car.

It seems to me that the people for are accusing the ones who do not want children in the theater of being self centered and selfish are the ones who are actually self sentered and selfish. YOU had the child and it is YOUR responsibilty to control their behavior. Forceing everyone else in a theater to deal with your child is just downright RUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But lets also look at it from another issue. I am an avid movie goer and all to often I see not only small children but infants in theaters watching movies that are not appropriate. I have to wonder if the parents care at all about their children. The sound level in a theater is dangerous to small children and especially infants. Serious hearing damage can be done. Do parents care so little for their children that their own 2 hours of enjoyment come first. If you can not afford a sitter and the movie either don’t go or go in shifts. One parent one evening and the other the next. Then both of you get to go. If you are a single parent and can not afford a sitter, take your child to an age appropriate movie or wait for the DVD. Sorry if that is not to your liking but you should have thought of that before you had children.

Frankly I am fed up with selfish, rude parents who think that it is ok to force everyone else to put up with their children, whether it is in a theater, a restaurant or a shopping mall. I am also fed up with parents thinking it is ok to tell everyone else off if they so much as dare to suggest their child’s behaivor is inappropriate. It is time for everyone to stop catering to people withchildren and realize that there are other people in the world also.

Eze = parent of the year
This is exactly why children are the way they are these days and society is going down the toilet
Want to do somethign special for your kids? Take em to the zoo.
Forget about consideration for other viewers, teach your kids about life values and not that the man in the black cape is not real.

Just because some film board decided on a PG 13 rating, doesnt mean children of any age should be exposed to violence of this type.

It all goes back to knowing how and choosing to parent your children appropriately. If you want to bring your kids to the theatre and they can sit quietly and behave themselves, fine. I don’t have a problem with that, I do have a problem with parents who choose not to disclipine their children and cause disruptions for adults who paid good hard-earned money to see a movie and don’t want distractions. I’m hoping the IMAX showing I’m attending on Sunday will have less of these problems.

The only problem I see in theaters is when ANYONE acts like they are in their living room and not in a place where the 2 people sitting in front of you have just plopped down at least $40 TO WATCH THE MOVIE.

I don’t care what the movie is, the rating, or who is there. It costs alot of money to be there. I am not there to watch toddlers run up and down the aisle, 25 texting people with loud typing habits and really bright screens, or the guys in front trying to get laid.

Think of it this way. At a live event such as a play, would you think about talking to the person next to you about how bad the actor is onstage?

If your kid can handle a movie without trying to be the center of attention then great, if not, get the DVD. If you can’t drop the phone for 2 hours then do the same.

It’s a matter of respecting the fact that others in that theater have just dropped a large chunk of change to watch THE MOVIE, not the audience. There is no excuse for any other activity than sitting down, shutting up, and watching the movie.

People who cannot behave themselves in public should not see movies! I have two children and when they were younger we didn’t even see kids movies. When we went to see Shrek 3 there was a row of intoxicated adults behind us, they were worse than any crying baby. This article was not very thought out, as it is only one sided.

Having a drink is the only way I COULD see Hannah Montana

The worst thing is when someone justifies their disruptive behavior with “I paid good money to see this movie so don’t tell me what to do”.

I have no problem reminding them that I paid good money too and have no problem getting back in their face.

I honestly hate/dread going to the movie theatres. They serve as a grim reminder how ignorant people can be more so than entertain me with a good flick.

For those making the “all about you” responses to those leaving comments regarding their annoyance with young (5-10 yr. olds) at the late night PG-13 movies – you better look in the mirror!

You’re the selfish one putting you’re own desires above your kids by bringing them to the movie. Face it – the kid doesn’t care if he’s sees it – you are the one that wants to see it – and you’re not going to let a little thing like no alternative person to watch the kid get it the way of you getting want you want, which is seeing that movie tonight. To hell with these people who want to hear all the dialogue and follow the story closely – you need time out of the house, right?

BTW I have two young kids, so don’t try and go with the “you hate kids – you selfish SofaB” argument.

It’s very rare nowadays when I’m sitting in a theater and there is a misbehaving kid. And I live in Los Angeles. Probably the rudest capitol of the country. Most parents usually rein their kids in. If there is a problem kid, I’m always quite loud in asking them to shut the hell up. It’s common courtesy. Some people don’t possess it. And if they don’t, I call them on it. Not everyone is as blunt as I am and so would simply sit and seathe in anger. But, really, who is that helping? No one. Embarrass the people whose children are causing a disturbance. Ask the theater employees to remove them. THEY are causing the distruption. Not you.

A broad statement like the one above isn’t really appropriate, but maybe it was necessary because some people/readers just don’t get it. Blunt is how you have to be sometimes.

My concern, really (and I’ve seen the movie 3 times) is how young children that don’t have the mental capacity to understand the adult theme of violence will cope with it. Its senseless violence. But that’s life. People with a mindset like the Joker exist. I love this movie. It’s well written, acted, edited, everything. I worked on it. But I am concerned with the message that its sending to our young people.

I would hope parents who consider taking their child to see this movie understand the message that its really sending.

I have 3 boys, 13, 9, and 6, and I will happily bring all 3 to see Batman with me.
I would rather have them share the experience with me, and enjoy it together, as it was meant to be enjoyed.
I do understand where the blogger is coming from, and my boys know what is expected from them when we go to the movies. Sit quietly, whisper if they have questions, and no kicking the seats. They also know if they misbehave I will walk them out and not bring them back again.
Parents should be leaving their kids at home if they don’t think they can behave. PG-13, not R; if it was R, my boys would definitely be staying at home.

Dress as the Joker and chase the li’l brats and their inconsidrerate parents around the theater.

A big part of the problem is many popular movies are marketed at children, check the toy aisle at Wal-Mart, Target, Fast food toys, even video games.

Benst, check the ratings: http://www.mpaa.org/FlmRat_Ratings.asp .

PG-13 movies are intended for children 13 and older, even then some material may not be appropriate. It’s the parents responsibility to determine that. Granted some children are going to sneak in or the theatre doesn’t enforce the rating and allow unaccompanied children to purchase tickets for those movies.

Simply put kids have just as much a right to go to a movie theatre as any adult (Rating taken into account of course). Simply put by reading your article, it doesn’t sound like you like kids at all, of course i’m assuming but that’s they way it sounds. So instead of arguing with ignorance, let’s just say that you can go see hanna montana if you want to, and I bet the kids won’t complain about you being there. And hey how bout you just wait for the DVD and rent it at home.

Walk down the toy isle of any WalMart or Target and you will see the shelves filled with action figures from the movies. Go to McDonalds and they have movie related toys in the happy meals. Often times, the children have the toy before they see the movie. It’s become the nature of the beast to market this way.

Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers, Iron Man, and now, Batman. It’s hard to keep the kids away from these movies when they are marketed so heavily and demand to see them.

Now, having kids in a theater after midnight is another story…

There is a line that people cross when bringing their kids to movies. Some movies are obviously just not appropriate for all ages. Our ratings system is so screwed up that you can get away with tons of violence in a movie with a PG-13 rating and there are a lot of movies that I would not take a young kid to that have a PG-13 rating. Meanwhile showing a boob gets you an R rating.

The main problem is people bringing their babies or very small kids to movies like this.

A while back I went to a showing of Blade II (Rated R) at 10pm on a Friday night. Throughout the whole movie I could hear a baby crying at various intervals.

As we walk out when the movie is over (at midnight) there is a couple there with an infant, what looked to be a two year old and a five year old. That’s just unacceptable. For one thing it is unacceptable for those young kids to be out that late and for another the movie had violence and gore galore. It was a terrible movie to take a young kid to and it really shows how selfish some parents really are. Those are the people I have a problem with.

In general I don’t have a problem with kids coming to the movies as long as they are quiet and not disruptive. That’s pretty much it.

I think the point is that parents should make sure their children are behaved at the movies (which MANY do not bother doing) and to at least consider the age of your child. I see children as young as 2 or 3 in R rated movies in New York City all the time and it is hard to believe it is about anything except the parents either not caring or not wanting to pay a babysitter. And they let their kids run around (as they are clearly not going to be interested in the actual movie). Maybe it’s because they’re accustomed to it, but I have had no problem whatsoever in having people with unruly kids kicked out of adult movies by theater managers.

I agree that a show time starting at 9 pm or later should be kid free. The ones objecting the loudest over this opinion, I guarantee, are the ones that have kids disrupting everyone else’s movie-going experience. Just because they seems to think it’s darling that little Johnny hoots and howls running up and down the aisle, doesn’t mean anyone else does. Although I would start by addressing the parents present and if that doesn’t help, go get management.

Common courtesy works both ways. If you don’t have the money for the movies and a babysitter – stay home. It’s completely unfair to me and anyone else that has done the right thing and left their kids at home to then have to put up with yours.

There are bigger problems in the world of course, but you have to know that a lot of people have been anticipating the release of this movie. I haven’t been to the theatre since January, I wait for DVD release. I do want to see Dark Knight in the theatre to get the full effect of it. I don’t look forward to buying my ticket early for about $10, waiting in line for a good seat, paying another $10 for a snack and drink, only to sit near ‘talkers, hear cell phones going off, and my biggest pet peeve, some kid kicking my seat througout the entire movie. This happened when I went to see Titanic and I can count how many movies I’ve seen since then in the theatres. It’s down right rude to other moviegoers and no one can deny it, parent or not! I expect to see little kids in movies with G ratings, I don’t expect to see them in PG-13 movies, especially the later showings. I’m a parent…but I know better what shows to take the kids to see and what time to take them.

Let’s be honest, The Dark Knight is not a movie for kids. Heath Ledger’s masterful performance as the Joker perfectly captures the essence of casual and wanton evil, which I wouldn’t recommend for anyone under the age of 18. Heck, I found myself wondering at the redeeming aspect of watching someone kill so many people (but the planning was devilishly thorough, and directors made sure the deaths were “cool”). It’s not as if there isn’t enough violence in the media these days, and to be fair, I’m not a parent, but you can rest assured that if/when I have kids, I won’t be feeding their minds with adult fare like this. Young minds are impressionable, and the lines between good and evil should be established and matured with full distinction and no ambiguity–the kind of ambiguity that arises when we glorify the violence of an archetypical madman, no matter how artistically performed.

My son is 1 and one month. I’ll be damned if someone is going to prevent me from proudly telling my son one day that his first movie was “The Dark Knight”. It’s like a right of passage. Forget “Wall-E” (really who will remember THAT in 10 years?), it’s all about batman. He’s got my old batman shirt from when I was 1 and he will wear it in the face of the Joker. bwahaha

My only regret is that we won’t be sitting next to a CNN blogger so he can share how enjoyable the movie was with my son’s “commentary”

Let me just say this… children such as babies and little whiny kids should not go to the movie.. that is just way too much. My son knows to not ask questions during a movie.. we even made it a ‘time to reflect’ moment when we leave and are in the vehicle.. we then discuss the movie and our favorite parts. If I thought for 1 sec that there was something in the movie that I couldnt explain to him or something that was going to deeply affect him.. then no.. he wouldnt go.. but batman? seriously.. violence is getting crazy these days in movies and I would rather teach him and answer his questions than to shelter him and then have to answer the why this and that later.. I suppose its all up to the parent and also their child.. if the child cant handle it.. leave them home..

I could almost sympathize with this argument if the movie chosen had not been The Dark Knight.

Have you been to a toy store lately? Tthis movie is not marketed only to adults; not by a long shot. Anyone who expects an adult only audience at a Batman movie is setting himself up for disappointment.

In response to certain comment makers here…

So, it’s automatically okay for kids if someone slaps a PG-13 rating on a movie? That’s it, no further evaluation or judgment is required from you? Wow, it must be nice not having to look out for your kids! Remember that the rating is a subjective score made by ordinary people, not a magical and undeniable truth.

Also, everyone says Batman is for kids… do you have any idea what the ORIGINAL Batman comic was like? Before Robin, and all that nonsense in the 60s? Batman was a dark, gun-toting man who killed mobsters. Sound like children’s fare to you?

Also, the fact that toys are made for a movie is not indicative of that movie’s appropriateness for children. Did you know that the original 1979 “Alien,” with Sigourney Weaver, had children’s toys made for it? That’s right, your kid could have his/her very own Alien action figure! Wow, that MUST mean kids should see it, right?

Learn how to think for yourselves, folks. Stop substituting capitalist toy marketing and arbitrary ratings for actual parenting judgment.

I do not have kids. But, I remember that if my parents took me to a film that was pg-13 or R (I was 14 when Porky’s came out). That means my parents thought I was mature enough to know that: The content was more adult based and I was old enough to behave in public. If the kid can’t behave, sorry parents they’re not ready to enjoy a night out with the big kids. While we’re at it. Some adults need to stay home too cause I’ve been annoyed by the latest ringtone or the glow of a sidekick txt every 30 seconds.

If you dont want your movie experience to be disturbed by children then go at night. Most movie theatres dont allow children in after a certain time. I have a 4 yr old who loves these types of movies and can follow the movie until the end. She may have questions but she is still interested in the movie. How can you expect kids not to want to see these types of movies when the toys are always in the happy meals?

If you child can go to a film and be quiet for the duration of the film I doubt anyone would care.

But if your child can’t stop talking or needs to walk around or go to the bathroom 5 times don’t take them to an adult movie. Dark Knight might be PG-13 but if I had a 13 year old I’m not sure I would let them see it.

Basically have common courtesy for the general public.

I am myself a single parent..regardless of this I wait until I have the opportunity to be able to enjoy a movie that seems not very appropiate for my children..with this said when I get to see a movie I absolutely do not want to hear a baby cry, kid running around or worst an adult having a personal conversation over their phone..
On the other hand, before I get judged by anyone, I do teach my soon to be 5 years old daughter that she needs to be quiet, enjoy the movie and not run around. It is up to the parents to teach their children..and have respect of others.

Being a comic book collector, I can’t wait to go see The Dark Knight. However, even though my 11yr old daughter wants to see it, I cannot in good conscience, take her because of the PG13 rating. I have a strict rule that PG13 means you must be “at least” 13 before being able to see the film. Not because the film is bad but because it at times deals with content that a young child cannot comprehend. If you let your under 13 child see it then that’s your perogative. I recently explained to my daughter that while she understands how to put a key in the ignition of a car and put it in gear, that does not mean that she is old enough to comprehend the complexities of driving a car (ie. staying within the lines, watching for other traffic or pedestrian and remembering the laws). Those abilities come with age and so to with PG13 movies. Society wants our children to grow up way faster than they already are. Movies such as this and The Hulk and Indiana Jones are so heavily targeted to children that one wonders why the ratings are not PG. So, in closing, the issue behind not having children see PG13 movies so as to enhance YOUR movie experience, it’s more to protect them from scenes that are questionable at best.

Small children should not attend this movie and Eze maybe you should not either – what an attitude you have.

The problem isn’t the parents or kids but rather the theater employees not doing anything to maintain a quiet movie going atmosphere. Theatre ushers and managers should do their jobs and make sure children and parents that are distracting other guests are advised to quiet down or move from the theatre. I have young children and I make sure they are behaved when attending a movie, and when they dont they are punished by leaving the show and not getting to see the rest of the film. Sure you may lose so money but you have to respect the audience as you would like it for yourself.

If kids are quiet (i.e. NO talking at all), well-behaved and can sit still through the whole film (and not kick the deat in front of them) I have no problem with sharing a movie theater with kids.

The problem is: how many kids are REALLY like that these days? Very few. It all goes back to the parents: how many are REALLY doing a good job at teaching manners, politeness and acceptable public behavior? Unfortunately, very few.

(For that matter, how many ADULTS have good movie-going manners anymore?)

Would you take kids to the opera, a theatrical play or a classical music concert? Sure, maybe, IF they behaved themselves & were interested.

Why is a movie any different? Just because it happens to have “PG-13″ plastered on it? That’s a license to bring rude/loud brats(or adults)? Give me a break.

I go to see the movie. I don’t go to experience obnoxious, loud, selfish, self-centered behavior by adults and/or kids who treat it the same as watching a video or DVD at home.

I don’t care WHO you are: if you can’t sit down, shut up & SHARE the movie-going experience respectfully with the other patrons… STAY HOME. Period.

You guys who think kids shouldn’t go to such movies need to pull your head out of your rear! Sorry you cant control your kids at a movie but my son sits and is quiet and has better behavior than most of the rude adults who answer pones and such during the movie. And to the idiot who says is your child your friend or child? WHAT!! going to a movie with your son means you don’t know boundaries ? I am always my sons Father first but my son is very much like his dad and when it is appropriate is the best friend I will ever have. So you guys who are kid haters either have bad behaved kids and are not good at parenting or just are jealous you cant have kids.

Where’s the responsibility here? We have lost sight of public decency for the sake of allowing our children their freedom. It seems that we become accustomed to the behavior of our children, and expect every one else to have the same tolerance. But, they’re children and with no experience in the world they need direction. We have to teach them something about public vs. private behavior. Have we become so sensitive to conflict we avoid it at all costs, even with our children? Disruptive, rude and plain disrespectful behavior in public should not have to be tolerated because “they’re just kids.” Teach your kids something, PLEASE!
Venues, especially multiplexes might even make allowances for us, say “Family” auditoriums and “Adult” auditoriums, although I believe a lot of parents were offended by that idea when restaurants tried it several years back. Maybe there could be family or adult only hours of viewing. I mean come-on; the parents that drag the kids to a late movie aren’t doing it for the kids.

I have stopped seeing first run films and will wait a few weeks because of this problem. In regards to Eze’s comments, I see no problem with your kids being there as long as they behave. However, most don’t, and parents are refusing the courtesy of taking their kids out of the theater when they begin crying or acting up. Also, I disagree with your comment that it is a kid’s movie. There is a reason for the PG-13 rating and it means kids under 13 should not be admitted. This tells me it is NOT a kid’s movie. The last movie I saw (PG-13 too) I had to constantly ask teenagers in my row to get off their cellphones and be quiet because they wouldn’t shut up during the film. The behavior of parents and kids in the theater has gotten so bad with evryone having the “you can’t tell me what to do” attitude, that it has turned me off to seeing first run films until they have been out for awhile so I can see them in peace.

And I saw Dark Knight last night and no way would I bring any child under 13 to see this as it is as hard of a PG13 as i have ever seen.
Fantastic flick too.

I went to see Dracula 2000 and someone had an infant, not even walking yet, with them. While the baby probably can’t understand what’s happening in the story, the loud rock music and screaming surely is beyond their ability to cope.

And it is the theater’s job to make sure that babies, who will only scream and cry during movies, are not allowed in, just as it is their job to not allow people who are too drunk to behave themselves.

The problem isn’t children, it’s their parents. Parents should have the right to decide whether their children are mature enough to see movies with violent or scary content. But they should also actively and vigilantly check their children’s behavior in ALL public settings. If you know your child can’t sit quietly through a 2-hour movie, then it’s probably not appropriate to bring him to one.

And frankly, I’ve had more experiences with disruptive adults in movie theaters than children….

So basically what you’re saying is that parents cannot decide whether or not a movie is appropriate for their child? What gives you the idea that you know the ability of a particular child’s (that you have never met) to comprehend the situation? Aside from that, it is the responsibility of the theater to tell the parents to tell the children to be quite.

I don’t mind children in the theater. As long as they are behaved and don’t hinder the viewing from the rest of the audience. If your kids can’t be controlled then be polite and leave them at home so the rest of us can enjoy our movie and be happy in throwing down our hard earned cash on a good that only lasts such a short period of time. It’s ultimately on the parents who haven’t felt it necessary to teach their children how to behave, realize this, and still bring them to the theater. And you can spot them easily because even as their children whale and complain, they stay glued to their seat. Good game parents. Maybe you should be the ones growing up.

Bring your kids or whatever to the movie but PLZ be courteous to others and the child If they start gettting upset or crying you should take them out of the movie. My mom forced me to watch the whole alien movie and I couldnt sleep for days even though I begged her to let me leave the theatre.

I get upset if a parent wont pay attention to their child for their own interests and I ususally let them know.

What ever happened to the days when peopel were considerate of other people. The author has nothing against kids, he didn’t say he hated kids, or that kids suck. He simply felt that taking a kid to see this movie was not appropriate. Further, he explained it as “the crying baby, the kid asking their parents questions, the foot kicking your chair.” The parent who takes this type of child to a movie has no regard for the rest of the movie goibg public. If the parent cannot afford a babysitter or fin one, then they should wait until they can. THier enjoyment should no supercede the enjoyment of the entire audience.

Further, I question the judgment of parents who would let thier children see such a movie to begin with.

EZE: I saw the movie on Tuesday night, it IS NOT a movie for kids in any way shape or form. the cheap red neck parents who were stupid enough to bring their kids because it was a free screening ended up with crying children for most of the movie, ruining the movie for those around them. There is violence, gore and if you see it in Imax like I did, its louder the hell! Kids were crying from the noise alone being scary to them. You shouldn’t tell anyone to wait to see it if they do not want to see it with some inconsiderate bad parent who was too selfish to care about their child’s emotional well being.. you should tell the parents to be a PARENT and wait to see it when they can stop the movie and explain things to their kids without disturbing everyone else.

As a parent of 25, 21, 18 and 10 year olds, I have been down this road before. I used to depend on my in-laws to baby-sit when the kids were younger. After we moved away and had no family to sit for us, we just didn’t go to the theatre.

What this issue is really about is RESPECT. Unfortunately, many people nowadays do not have any. Either they are not taught it, or they ignore it.

Many people now days hide behind their electronic systems like email and texting. As I read these posts, they are full of mispelled words and syntax; they threaten, call names and the like – because of the ability to hide behind electronic devices.

If you have gotten this far through my post, then you must agree with my opinion. What ever happened to the Golden Rule? Treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Everyone has an opinion, everyone has a right to see a movie or do what ever they would like. But, respect others and control your children so they don’t spoil some one else’s experience.

You know what I would like to see? Theaters where children aren’t allowed. I don’t mean all theaters, all the time, but if there could be a balance of some sort…such as a movie that’s run on four screens and having one of those screens be for adults only, or maybe even 17 and over. Sure that one might sell out faster, but those who go in could have the peaceful experience they’re looking for.

There’s one theater not far outside Milwaukee that has a screen where, after 9pm every night, no children are allowed no matter what movie is playing. Why can’t we have just a little more of that?

It’s so fun and cost effective to judge the parenting of others! Frankly, I find the misbehavior of adults far more disturbing than the misbehavior of children. Trying to judge the quality of parenting through a single observed bedtime or movie indulgence is a little like me judging the quality of your intimate relationships through examination of a greeting card you chose.

John, I’m sure you were a wonderfully delightful child. Or at least that’s what mom’s told you all these years. Quiet, polite, never out of bed after bedtime, etc. Just don’t take this delightful sense of self-righteousness a step further and become the guy on the plane who yells at the woman with the crying baby. Or the guy in the movie theatre who screamed at the woman with the crying baby during Spiderman. I ended up disliking those two guys a lot more.

You might want to up your daily intake of curiosity and cut back on the judgmentalism.

I whole heartedly agree with the writer of this blog!! Children under 10 DO NOT BELONG seeing movies that are worse than PG!! I’m 24 years old and I want to turn around and strangle people who bring their small children to movies that are PG 13 and worse because there are constant bathroom trips, questions being asked, whining, among other things. Sorry, but if you decide to pop out kids and you can’t afford a babysitter you don’t belong in the theater to begin with!!!

If I had a dollar for each ruined movie theater experience, I could retire now.

What is ironic is that the clueless parents that are complaining on this board that others are being selfish for not wanting to hear their little billy or susie talk or ask questions, are the same ones that are exhibiting the same selfish quality they are railing against. Did it occur to you oblivions that by letting your children act in this manner, you are in fact molding the viewing environment to your (selfish) purposes? The environment is there to cater to everyone who paid $10 /person to view the movie in a comfortable movie-viewing setting. Not so that you and your tribe can enjoy the movie to your standards.

Sorta reinforces a song quote I heard a few years ago….”…..been around the world and found that only stupid people are breeding”

If you don’t want to deal with kids its easy. Adjust your schedule. I never go to movies on a Friday or Saturday night it’s insane. And i never go to a kids movie in the daytime on a Saturday or Sunday. If there is a 5 dollar movie night like at some theatres avoid it like the plague. These are the kind of people that go to a bar and order whats on “special.”
I only go to movies pre-noon on the weekends if its a movie for adults. And late at night if its a kids movie that i want to see. People generally only care about themselves and you have to deal with that when you go to a public venue. Kids are annoying because they dont know any better so cut them some slack. Go to the movies at off peak times and i guarantee you that your annoyances will be aleviated.

let every parent take their kids to see whatever movie they want whenever they want. Because i use my brain so i hardley ever have to deal with them. Take your 5 year old to see batman because my kids will need someone to serve them french fries some day:)

I’ve seen the Dark Knight and parents who bring their children under the age of 13 to this movie are doing them a tremendous disservice. The performance by Heath Ledger is Oscar worthy, it is also disturbing and not appropriate for children. The child may “like” the movie, but children would also prefer to eat ice cream for every meal. Parents have a responsibility to screen their children from disturbing images, whether on the news or in the box office.

As for the etiquette of movie theaters, get a grip. No parent enjoys having a screaming child and I guarantee that the parent is more embarrassed than you are annoyed. With that said, parents who do not remove (as quickly as possible) a rowdy or loud child are inconsiderate and that is where the ushers need to step in.

I hear so many people complain about children at a theater yet the biggest issue I have is with adults and their chatter, cell phones, and questions about a movie…especially a movie like Dark Knight. Yeah, leave the kids at home. But don’t forget to shut up yourself, too.

I believe that if you elect to bring your child to a PG-13 movie, they should behave and not run around the theatre and annoy other movie patrons. However, lately, when I go to a movie like this, I have a problem with teenagers, shouting, texting, talking on the phone, etc. But hey what can you say? They are allowed and it is free world.

I am a parent of a 6 and 7 year old. We take them to some PG-13 movies but only after friends have seen it and gotten their opinion on it.
I would never take kids this age to a midnight showing, my kids are well behaved and that just isn’t appropriate at that hour, that is just selfish that you can’t wait until daytime to see it. If there is a movie my husband and I really want to see on our own and we can’t find a sitter then we just don’t go and wait for DVD. No movie is that important that I have to take my kids to because I can’t wait for it.

What this comes down to is that the movie should have been R. You drop the F bomb or throw in some sex (or god forbid, gay sex) and the MPAA slaps an R rating on there faster than you can say “horrific gaping cheek.”

But violence is okay? Get your priorities straight, MPAA. You guys are a bunch of gangsters. I’d rather my children hear a swear word or see a sex scene than the sort of violence and gore in the Dark Knight — which I LOVED.

dont bring your little dirt bags to the movie if they cry and are loud. its annoying! perfect solution, bring them to an early show, not the late ones. keep everyone happy!

I’m just going to step back and take the movie studio to task here for making such a dark movie of Batman, the comic strip. For everyone who says this is an adult movie that kids shouldn’t attend, it SHOULD be a movie for kids – it’s BATMAN, for crying out loud. Of COURSE kids of all ages are going to want to see it. Batman is a cartoon on tv Saturday mornings – kids are naturally going to want to see it. A lot of parents probably don’t even understand the nature of this movie and show up with their kids for the new Batman flick. I’m just saying that Batman should be for the kids!

I have two boys, 7and 4, and I would consider this movie to be inappropriate for both of them. Young children should be seeing G and PG movies. I know ratings are really guidelines, but use some common sense people. Why do we insist on creating a culture where kids are welcomed everywhee – even where they don’t belong? If you can’t afford a babysitter, do what we do – wait for the DVD. If you think your misbehaving, whining kid can handle the movie, you’re wrong.

Seriously folks. Kids under 13 are fine to go to PG-13 films. Bringing a 6 year old to the Dark Knight – bad idea. Bringing any age children to a MIDNIGHT SHOWING of a PG-13 film – very poor parenting. I like to go see movies like Wall-E, but get discouraged when there are screaming kids at a 10PM showing that I specifically chose to AVOID the screaming kids. Show a little courtesy – take your little kids during the day, and when you are reasonably certain they can behave like human beings.

All these complaints about childeren and some of you forget that there are adults WITHOUT childeren who behave worse at the movies than the kids. I’m sure all of you have sat near that person who feels their so important that they need to talk on their cell phone or hold an extended conversation with the person next to them. In the end I think the point is if you go to the movies, be aware of the others around you and have common courtesy. No matter what your age is.

Everyone slamming the writer talks about parents’ right to treat their children to a movie and their right to decide if their children are well-behaved enough to sit quietly through a 2.5 hour screening. The problem is that leaving it up to the parents obviously hasn’t produced the optimal result; some parents (those posting here perhaps) will take the trouble to ensure courtesy to their fellow moviegoers. But it only takes one crying baby to spoil the movie for many.

LOGIC: Since there are obviously still parents taking noisy children to the movies, leaving it up to parents to decide obviously has not solved the problem.

The real question is how do we deal with this? Banning children completely from a PG13 movie is ridiculous because the regulation was created precisely to allow children to watch these films. Whether or not one thinks the film is appropriately rated is a separate issue; take it up with your local politician.

But to let it be a free-for-all doesn’t work entirely either because there are also obviously people who’re dissatisfied with the current arrangement. It seems like there’s a market for no-children cinemas, where children aren’t allowed simply because they might ruin the experience for others. It’s not new; some restaurants already impose these restrictions.

It wouldn’t be too hard to do — just impose stricter rules on courtesy, adults NOT exempted. Two strikes and you’re out, and flagrant flouting of courtesy like asking questions or ringing cellphones (I still cannot for the life of me understand why is it so hard for people to switch their phones off when they’re reminded to do so on-screen as the film starts; incidentally this succeeds in occurring during university exams as well where one would think the stakes were much higher).

The upside of restricting access for a cinema operator? You get to charge a premium for courtesy. Maybe an extra $2. There are people willing and able to pay for a better movie experience out there — please cater to us!

My boyfriend and I are going to see Batman on Saturday. We will leave our 3 yr old daughter with her Memaw. She has never been to a theater because with the exception of King Kong and Dodge Ball she has never watched a movie all the way through at home. She has to get up a thousand times to go potty, get something to eat or drink, go check on the dog, whatever. I have people tell me, “Oh but she would be different in the theater.” I for one am not going to pay good money to find out. If my daughter starts to act out in public, I don’t care if I am at the grocery, b-day party or my mothers, we are leaving and going home. Therefore it drives me totally insane to hear a screaming child anywhere. I know kids get tired and cranky, that is part of being a parent, but everyone else doesn’t want to hear it.
If your child is well behaved and can sit still and be quiet for 2 hours then I don’t have a problem with it. I know kids can do it, because my nephew is also 3 yrs old and goes to the theater all the time. And being a toddler that is very out spoken has told other kids and their parents to leave when they wouldn’t quit talking because they were ruining “his” movie.
Take your kids if you want, but leave if they won’t behave. I know you spent good money to see the movie but you knew when you brought them that things might not go as planned.

It’s very simple. Only BAD PARENTS bring their children to adult movies! BAD PARENTS think that their “rights” are more important than common decency and public ettiquette. I have 2 children of my own. When I go see The Dark Knight, I will have a babaysitter watching them at home. If you are too poor to afford a babysitter, either get a better job or miss out on things that cost more money…

When you have children, you are voluntarily giving up many “rights” in exchange for the responsibilities of being a parent. You don’t bring your child to a bar. You don’t bring your child to a sex shop. You don’t bring your child to any place where their age makes it inapproprtiate for them to be and that includes movies that are rated above their age.

To Michael Irwin, if parents don’t know to tell their children to be quiet and stop disturbing the viewing audience of a movie, they need parenting classes. Yes, it would be helpful if the ushers were alert and on top of the game by diffusing the situation as soon as it starts, but it is ultimately the PARENT’S responsibility to be a PARENT to their child by disclipling them if they are misbehaving or acting up. Anything else is just lazy parenting.

I think the operative phrase in the movie rating is “PARENTAL GUIDANCE”. With as much writing/description as there has been about this movie, there is no way any parent could think that it is suitable for a child without some sort of discussion beforehand. At some point mom or dad has to tell the kid that this ain’t no cartoon and that there’s going to be some stuff going on that may scare them or that they won’t understand. The same thing with Wall-E. I guess everyone thought that because it was a “cartoon” it would be okay to take the kids and plop them down in the seat and they’d have a good time. Well a lot didn’t. And a lot won’t have a good time with The Dark Knight either. It’s the parent’s responsibility to read the movie reviews and descriptions and make INFORMED decisions about how appropriate a movie is for their kid. Just because it’s PG-13 doesn’t make it suitable for a child especialy if the “parental guidance” consists of the parent just sitting there next tot he kid!

My son is 7 and is consistently well behaved in the movie theater. We went to Indiana Jones on opening night. I plan on taking him to see Batman, he went with us to see the first one. He is actually rather well educated about Batman and the Joker characters.
But I agree, don’t bring your babies or toddlers to the movies if you know the action may be too much. That and you may be leaving the theater at a crucial part for them to use the loo.
Parents, use your judgment. My son knows how to behave at the movies, but I’ve seen kids his age and older who do not. And I wouldn’t take them anywhere.

Nobody is saying *never* bring children to a movie. However, there are certain times that are inappropriate for young children. For example, a midnight show is not appropriate for your four year old.

Furthermore, there’s also a distinction between older children who should know how to behave and a toddler, even a well-behaved toddler.

It is simply inappropriate to bring a toddler to a movie where the volume and content could cause your child to be an undue disruption to other moviegoers. It might be a public venue, but take reasonable care, parents! If your child becomes frightened or upset and begins to cry, it is your duty to remove the child from the movie theater. That’s just common courtesy. Likewise, if your child starts talking inappropriately it is your job to remind them that it’s quiet time while at the movies.

There is always the option of a matinee or an early evening show if you have young children; the rest of us know that it’s at our own risk that we assume there won’t be children at this time. Don’t be so selfish as to think you can bring your babies to a midnight show just because *you* want to see it at that time.

Oh and one more thing. To the people who say that an annoyed patron should just say something to the parent of the offensive child – yeah right! Parents who take their kids to inappropriate movies and then don’t even bother to control them are not people who happily acccept parenting pointers. I bet the parents who suggested such a thing would be loud and rude if someone dared to reprimand their kids or point out bad behavior. what really should happen, if the theatres were not so greedy, is the movie ratings would be strict and enforced – PG13 would mean no child under 13 permitted – with or without a parent.

If you can’t control your kid, you all need to leave the movie. Plain and simple. A 2 year old shouldn’t be there anyways. Cripes.

We have four kids ages 4, 10, 13, & 15. Firstly, we are going to see Batman but I am waiting until my sister can watch my 4 year old daughter because I do not want her seeing it. Also I would not want to be interupted as much as I I would not want the other people interupted by her if she had to go to the bathroom or something of that nature in the middle of the movie.
The rest of my kids are very well behaved in the movie theater, if ever they prove they cannot be, that child will not be going to the next movie.
I have never had to not bring one of my kids to a movie but I will if the time comes.
I agree 100% with the person, you pay for your tickets for a theater not romper room. It is a matter of respect and that seems to be what alot of people in this country are losing R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Who cares about the young kids. The worst is unsupervised high school age “children” who think they own the whole place.

Then again, I was that unsupervised high school kid not that many years back – so I guess it isn’t really my place to be critical.

I respect a parent’s right to determine what films are appropriate for their child. What I expect in return is that those parent’s respect everyone else in the theater’s right to enjoy the movie without said child doing all the thing you mentioned-the crying, the questions, the relentless kicking of the seats. I saw a “blockbuster” earlier this summer that wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be, but it may have been better if the four year old sitting behind us hadn’t been leaning on my seat and asking questions the whole time.

If I go to see a children’s movie, I expect a children’s movie experience-lots of kids, lots of noise, some disruption. That film was intended to stand up to that kind of “competition.”

If I go see a film aimed at teens and adults, however, I expect that, for the most part, the theater will be reasonably quiet and allow me to concentrate on the film–and that if parents did bring their young child, they will have the good manners to take their child out of the theater if and when they are disturbing others in the audience.

I thought a Batman movies was for kids.

Preach it!

There are plenty of children — and adults — that have no social training and behave inappropriately in all kinds of situations. In these instances, I go to the front of the theater and ask to see the manager. Explain the problem you are encountering and either ask the staff to remove the offenders or refund your ticket fare and concession costs. Either is a fair way to solve this problem. And I don’t know where you folks are seeing movies for $8 but I wish I was there!

This article isn’t about whether your child is mentally/emotionally able to handle what the movie is about, it’s a matter of are you annoying those around you when your child is squirmy, loud, fussy… Some parents may be thinking “Well my child is different, they won’t be loud.” that is the same excuse you told yourself when you decided to get pregnant. Every child is loud, fussy, squirmy. I for one do not want to pay $9 to see a movie and end up practially baby sitting your child while you ignore them to watch the movie that we both paid to see. Parents made the decision to have kids, live with it, don’t make others suffer because of your life choices.

George Spigott:

You obviously haven’t done enough research on the different incarnations of the batman character. Did you know that Heath Ledger based his character on the joker character in the graphic novel (note: not cartoon) “Killing Joke” that has scenes of graphic (non-child apppropriate) violence ? Some of the most inspired batman stories have been penned by graphic novel artists (like Alan Moore and Frank Miller) and yep, those are filled with violence too. Conclusion, not all batman is for children.

If you are not a parent, good stay that way. If you are, I mourn for your children. You obviously haven’t taken the time to research the material well enough to make an informed decision.

Back in 1976-1980, I was an Usher & Asst. Manager for the AMC theater chain. Part of our job was to visit each theater for smoking and disruptive behavior. Now the only ushers I ever see is the ones who come in at the end of the show to clean it out when everyone leaves.

I worked in a six-ples, now with 12+ mega theaters tking care of the patron has fallen by the wayside. People now equate going to the movies with watching TV at home. So babies being with them at the movie is like being at home. I have even been at a movie where a mother changed her baby during the movie, and left the diaper on the floor!

There are some theaters that are now experimenting with a pager type device that you can press to call the employees to report disruptive behavior. It can roll out to all theaters very soon!

it is no ones business but the parents to decide if the movie is appropriate for their child. as an on-looker you have no place to saywhat is beyond the kids mental capacity. I can bring my 7 year old to any movie I want, and KNOW that he will sit still, quiet, and watch.

It’s up to me what film I want to bring him to. I’ll bring him to this just like we say all 3 spidermans, etcetc.

If i were you, it’s the unsupervised high school teenagers throwing popcorn and preforming lewd acts in the dark that we need to worry about… not supervised children.

When I was growing up, you weren’t allowed to go to a PG-13 movie unless you were 13, whether mom and dad were there or not. Of course as a kid I complained about this, but I’m truly thankful now. And while there are some movies I may make an except to, I can’t think of a single PG-13 movie that would be appropriate for anyone under the age of 10. We must be able to agree on that?

All those parents trying to say that “it’s PG-13, not R, kids can see it!” are misinformed. A good parent would read the reviews of the movie (especially those ones with should-kids-see-it in mind) regardless of what rating it gets. But, if all thats fine with the parent, (and it very well may be), if your child doesn’t know how to behave out in public, then too bad, you don’t get to go. Sucks to be a parent huh….

I have not seen the Batman movie, but because the last movie I saw had a bunch of little kids in it, crying, getting up, jumping around, I don’t bother going anymore. I don’t pay 9 bucks to listen to someone elses kids misbehave. My children are grown and out of the house, but if they went to the movies and started cutting up like that, getting restless, we would leave. I don’t appreciate other people expecting everyone around them to think their “little angels” are cute when they are obnoxious. Parents tune them out and think that everyone around them does too. It’s rude.

Forget kids in movies, at least they have the excuse that they’re too young to know better! Tell all this to the 400 lb. woman who insisted on sitting right next to me in the theater during Hancock, regardless of the many empty rows further up.

I spent the whole movie avoiding her fat rolls that were invading my seat, popcorn throwing, snorting, obnoxious laugh, and endless conversations between her and her friend about how sexy Will Smith is. I’m the teenager! I shouldn’t have to repeatedly ask a 50+ woman to behave respectfully!

Until all the adults in the world learn some manners, I don’t expect their offspring to.

With everyone watching movies at home on cable and dvd, the public in general, has brought their living behavior to theaters. While I agree that small children don’t belong in certain movies due to subject matter, my enjoyment of movies is just as likely to be ruined by adult behaviors. I’ve sat in front of couples who sit and discuss plot points, and once even had someone nearby answer a cell phone, and proceed to tell the caller what movie he was watching. Compared to this lack of consideration, a child asking a question or two is minor. On the other hand, as a parent, I have never understood bringing very young toddlers and infants to the movies, since their crying and fussing is disruptive for everyone. If you can’t get a sitter, do something else, and wait until the movie comes out on video.

I will never forget, my buddies and I went to see Shaun Of The Dead in theaters, opening day. so we’re all hanging out, talking and swearing like 20-somethings do before the movie starts. and this woman in front of us calls us out on it. says her kids don’t need to hear swear words. excuse me? you’re at an R-Rated movie. she seemed to draw the line at real swearing, but wow. what an idea.

I don’t think parents should bring their kids to films unless either they know the kid can take it, or the film is specifically for kids. your child WILL ruin my viewing experience, and with tickets as expensive as they are, I just can’t deal with that.

This is a big issue going on lately. It seems the newer generation is all about “me me me me” and has no clue about respecting your fellow patrons. Just because your kid talks through every show you watch at home does not mean they can ruin everyones viewing experience at the theatre.

Personally… I go get the manager and let him/her deal with the idiot.

I think its pretty simple. You as the parent get to decide (in most cases) whether your child could/should/has the maturity to see a particular movie. You as the parent ALSO have the responsibility to see that your child (or you for that matter) doesn’t annoy everyone else who paid good money to see the movie (or eat in the restaurant, etc). Big surprise from some of these comments that we are raising the biggest “ME” generation in history. Instead of consideration of others its what I want, its all about me. I have 5 kids and while they are good in movies and restaurants, I also know that I can tolerate a lot more from my kids than strangers can or should. Accordingly, I’m sensitive to whether we are bothering others. If your kid can’t sit through the movie quietly take them to WallE or Chuckie Cheese and let the rest of us enjoy the movie…….

I like people’s argument that they can’t afford a babysitter, so others should put up, or wait for DVD. Why don’t the parents wait for DVD? They say others are selfish, but they really need to look in the mirror. These people are getting angered at other people’s desire to be able to go see a movie and not be overly distracted by other people’s irresponsibility. If you can bring your child to a movie, and hold yourself accountable for their behavior, go for it. Be ready to excuse yourself and your child if the crying or other noise gets out of control.

One noteworthy thing is that some theaters (at least in Texas) have begun scheduling one showing a day of popular movies where the idea is that it will be a kid heavy crowd, but most parents are too selfish to actually go to that one as they don’t want to be disturbed by other people’s kids. Irony at its best.

I very rarely go to the movies anymore because there’s always some weenie disturbing everyone around them. It’s so bad that the theaters now show little clips before the movie explaining to the audience that it’s inappropriate to talk during the film. That in itself says it all.

As far as little kids go, there’s a reason the movie is PG-13 and not PG. I would never bring my 8 year old to a PG-13 movie unless I had seen it first. The rating is there as a warning, the parent has to decide whether or not it’s appropriate for thier child. Unfortunately many parents lack the facility to make good decisions for thier children. Seeing a violent act is disturbing to a child, that is until they’ve seen hundreds of them, then they become completely comfortable with it. Not something I want for my children.

I’ve been an elementary school teacher for 10 years. When I taught 1st grade I was shocked to hear my students say that “Bride of Chucky” was their favorite movie. A couple of years later one of my students was taken to see “Hannibal” by his mother. He was 7. She couldn’t find a sitter, and instead of staying home she decided to take her child to see it. You should have heard the things that child said over the next few weeks. He was traumatized by what he saw. I know “Hannibal” and “The Dark Knight” are not the same, but my point is that parents don’t always make the best choices.

I would love to believe that all parents make good decisions about what movies their children see. I do not believe that includes taking children 10 and under to see the first showing of a PG13 movie.

I applaud the parents who go to see the movie first and THEN decide if it’s appropriate for their children. Once a child sees something on the big screen that they can’t handle, it cannot be un-seen.

Children are one part of this problem! I personally believe that they should BAN CANDY WRAPPERS AND POPCORN! 9 times out of ten I have a slob or a cow eating right behind me! Too Loud! Those Gummy Bear Wrappers need to go!

I want to enjoy Hellboy 2 tonight without these sounds and dirty feet touching the back of my head!

I am done ranting and raving

Dan

Being the parent of a teenager and toddlers I would never take my toddlers to a movie for any age. I would hope that parents have good sense to know if their children are able to understand the film. Also I don’t know many young children that have the attention span to watch a movie in a theater setting. I am sorry for those people who stay up all night to watch a movie that is at least a PG13 rating and being irritated by adults taking kids that are not 13.

I understand completely what this article is saying. Last year my friends and I went to see Saw IV. Yes, that gruesome blood drenched horror movie. Well, I enjoyed the movie, but I was very upset over a mother in front of us who brought 4 kids all under the age of 5. She had 1 on her lap. Parenting 101 needs to a requirement for all Americans. We have more preperation and classes to drive a car, but not on raising children and having common sense in some parents!

I also feel that bringing children to a movie theater is a bad idea unless it’s a kids movies or they are old enough and can behave themselves.

I once went to a movie, a rated PG-13 ‘chick flick’ to see 2 parents with 2 kids that were clearly 8 years old or so. The parents had fallen asleep and the kids ran around the front of the movie theater ‘playing’ for a good hour before their parents woke up and told them to sit down.

This is just one example. I have very rarely been to a movie where there was not some teenager or kids being disruptive. It’s sadly just a fact of life. Go see a movie on a weekday night a week or so after it comes out and you’ll have a better movie going experience, because hopefully you and your date are the only ones in the theater.

I wonder if there are statistics on ‘movie theater violence’ due to people being inconsiderate to others?

I honestly think a movie theatre that only allowed children to the early movies, not any starting after 9 pm, would make a fortune!! Those who wanted to take their children could without bothering anyone. Those who prefer not to have the kiddies around would have a choice. I think such theatres could even charge a premium, and most would gladly pay it!!

I am sick of hearing children asking questions at movies because they don’t understand the movie. If I child cannot make the intuitive leap that Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk are the same person, they shouldn’t be at the movie. If the child is not old enough to understand what is going on, and that the movie is fantasy, and not truth, then it is out of their age group. What happened to discipline? If I were ever to speak loudly in a movie theater (which never happened because I knew better), my parents would have taken me out in consideration of the other patrons. It is a basic standard of consideration for others, which is becoming increasingly lost in public places, and it is a sad reflection of our society that children are growing up with no respect for their fellow people.

Audrey, you’re pathetic!

It’s a movie about a man in tights dressed like a giant halloween bat. It was always intended for kids, even if hollywood pushes the limit.

There are almost no G movies anymore that aren’t either a cartoon, or star a dog. PG13 is the norm for a kids movie.

Let me guess, you’re next night out is Dora the Explorer Ice capades. I just hope no one is wearing a cape.

Jim

PG-13 means parental guidance suggested…how can you determine if the movie is okay without seeing it yourself first. Anything past PG, my husband and I see first then determine if it is suitable for the kids. Taking my 13 and 14 yr old to see Batman probably wouldnt be such a huge deal as long as I was not shocked by the content. On the other hand, I would never take a child under 13 to any movie at night, that is what the play during they day light hours for.

My policy on movies for my three year old daughter is nothing too scary and nothing that is so real, such as Batman and other comic based movies that my daughter will not be able to discern fantasy from reality. I love comic based movies and dark sci-fi films. My husband and I watch Underworld and Constantine, and Ghostrider because we really enjoy the films. But when it comes to our daughter she does not watch anything that dark. She watches little too no TV and only age appropriate DVD’s.
Children should be given a chance to maintain some of their innocence and not be forced into dark, adult realities they can’t comprehend yet. Many times I have wanted to see a film but my daughter comes first. So I wait for DVD if I can’t get a sitter for her when the film is in the theater.
I was shocked to see a child of four going to a 7:00PM showing of Hell Boy II. I enjoyed the film but again the images and soundtrack with special effects are too intense for a little child.
Being a parent means making the best judgment call for your children and putting yourself second. Especially when it comes to something as trivial as my desire to see AVP and my knowing it would traumatize my toddler.

I didn’t read all of the posts but I read enough to be annoyed…and no, it doesn’t take much.

I don’t care if you take your kids to see a movie, I care that your kids are not well behaved, and you do nothing about it because you suck as parents. Get a friggin’ backbone and be a parent and teach your kids proper and acceptable behavior. If your kids can’t behave, leave them home. If that means you stay home too and miss the movie, so be it. If your kid’s behavior is unacceptable to me…I will not hesitate to tell him or her…and you. I’m tired of people failing Parenthood 101 and I’m tired of being subjected to bratty kids.

A lot of you don’t seem to get the point. Put aside ratings, parents are raising rude, inconsiderate children. They are not teaching children to be respectful of other people. It’s a shame, they’re raising jerks.
And many people have mentioned how adults can be just as bad. Yes, it’s completely true. There’s a lot of inconsiderate adults out there who are just jerks. People this country would be better off without. I’m saddened on almost a daily basis with all my run-ins with jerks and their jerk children who treat other people very rudely and inconsiderately. Theatres bring out the worst in people, possibly because it’s dark and you can’t see the glares?

But the best way to fight this, start complaining to theatre managers. My local theatre recently made movies after 9pm adult only. They also have an employee talk before the movie starts, encouraging patrons to report disruptive guests.

Phil Gramm got it right when he said the U.S. is a nation of whiners. Parents these days have no clue how to raise their children. Honestly, it is scary to see the clueless people who are having kids. They raise them with no discipline, no sense of right and wrong, no manners. These kids are and will be the same bunch of whiners that their parents are. The problem with most parents taking their kids to the movies (or the mall or the store or anywhere else for that matter) is that they cannot control the brats. When these kids talk loud, kick the seats in front of them, run around, etc., etc., etc., these clueless parents are either afraid to confront them or don’t care. I think mostly they do not know how to control their children. Leave them home instead torturing society with them if you can’t control them.

I remember growing up with the realization that there will always be some things that I wouldn’t understand at a certain age. My parents would bring me to PG-13 and R-rated films as a kid, knowing that the experience would leave me much to think about. My mother took me to see Terminator 2 for my ninth birthday, and it turned out to be one of my all-time favorite movies.

The point is, no matter where my parents would take me, I was made to understand proper etiquette because the people I shared the theatre with wanted to share the same experiences. I do not object to bringing kids to certain adult or teen rated films, but I do believe in the importance of education. Children should be taught proper manners and to watch films with the realization that what they are seeing is a work of fiction made only for entertainment. Emphasize the word “entertainment”, something shared by everyone in the theatre with a certain amount of respect.

As long as the kids aren’t disruptive, I have no problem with them being there. But it seems lately that people will bring their wailing babies and other small children in and ruin the experience for the rest of us. If you do feel the need to bring them to the movie, choose an early showing.

I’m admitedlly not a ‘kid person’ but to be honest, you have to remember that besdies the violence (which I’ve seen far worse of in movies, incidentally) this is a very deeply layered, detailed story. Long passeges. Internal affairs, DA and mayor’s office, reflections on right and wrong, morality, etc. Young kids will not understand or be entertained by all that.

It seems to me that there are separate issues here: 1. The appropriateness of the movie for children, and 2. the behavior of the children in the theater. Because kids are not banned from PG-13 films, that means you must expect to share the theater with them. Not every child is the same, and not everyone agrees on what is appropriate. It simply isn’t your decision to make. On the other hand, outside of specifically “children’s” movies, I think any child that attends a movie should be expected to have the same standard of behavior as an adult. And if they do not, then the parent should expect to remove them. People don’t have the right to not have children around them, and people also don’t have the right to inflict badly behaved children on others.

Bring your children to a matinee that might not be as crowded, and teach them about common courtesy and consideration (something lost on the children of today). But only do so when the movie is age-appropriate. When I went to the 5:30 showing of Sex and the City, I was appalled when two 20-something women walked in with a female child clearly under the age of 10. That child had no business being there, and I wanted to go over and slap the two that thought it was OK to bring her. Let’s get some sense!

Kids don’t bother me so much. They’re usually not too bad. It’s the grown folk (later teens and above) that ruin my movie going experience with the constant chatter. They treat the theatre like it’s their own living room. Shut up already! And what’s with people translating for their friend next to them? Go! Leave! Rent it on DVD with subtitles.

Oh yeah, Spigott; Batman was never created as a kids comic. He’s not called the Dark Knight because he likes night time.

Tickets for babies to go to movies should cost $50. Babies do not belong at adult movies.

That said, I have had issues at the theater with babies, children and adults who act like children. It just boils down to a certain type of person having no consideration for their fellow moviegoer. Ultimately, we have resorted to driving out of the central city to see movies in the burbs where there are fewer people who just don’t know how to act.

It’s the self-centered, immature mindset of the parents. They want to see the movie and they want to see it right now. Too bad the other viewers are annoyed, too bad their kids have nightmares – it’s all about THEM.

Hi all-

If I want to bring my child , who is five , to any movie I choose I can. If he is not behaving- I will take care of it any way I want. the Key word
is PUBLIC——If they don’t let certain people in then that is called
DISCRIMINATION. HONESTLY- what a country of whiners. Remember we all were not borm perfect like some of you. I pay the same rate as you. I wish some adults would quit talking thru movies.
Wait here is new rule /law we should pass-ALL TALKATIVE PEOPLE
BANNED FROM MOIVE THEATERS!! WHO IS WITH ME!!!!!

Lighten up everyone-

I’m twenty-two and I was always particularly mature for my age. A lot of that, I think, stems from the fact that my parents allowed me to be and trusted me to be. I saw Tremors in theaters when I was three and Terminator 2 when I was five. They also taught me how to behave in a theater.

So while I do think probably certain movies shouldn’t be viewed by younger audiences (and my parents did make sure I couldn’t see several until I was older), that’s up to the parents’ discretion and the child’s ability on an individual level to comprehend and pay attention.

I’m sure I would have been allowed to see Dark Knight as a child and I would have enjoyed it, regardless of the fact that I didn’t get the finer nuances of film making at the time. It’s an amazing movie and an even more fantastic film.

But last night, I went to see the 12:01 showing at my big local stadium-seating theater. It was absolutely packed and most of us attending were around my age or slightly older or younger, dressed up, cheering, there for an event.

Keep in mind this is a midnight show. I saw a couple come in with a very young child and a BABY to sit down in the front. I understand parents are people like anyone else, and they’d probably like to participate in something so exciting and memorable.

But a toddler and a baby? At a midnight showing of Dark Knight full of rabid fans? Luckily, they didn’t cry — or maybe they left — but I absolutely could not believe it.

Get a baby sitter or come the next day. That’s just ridiculous.

I have 3 kids they range from 13 to 7, they are well behaved and watch every Movie I take them too with no problems. I took them to see Spider-Man 1,2 and 3. We saw Batman Begins, We have seen Hellboy 1 and 2. And the Sliver Surfer, and also Iron Man and X-Men and they all loved it, and they also want to see Dark Night…. And oh I will be taking them too. I suggest next time rent a Movie and stay home, and then you wont have to worry about Kids… But this is just a suggestion…… Thanks Jenny in Texas

Why you would allow a ratings system dictate the content of any media for your children is beyond me. Just beacuase it is a cartoon or has a superhero in it does not mean it is appropriate for your child.

Nothing worse than trying to watch a movie and being interrupted by a kid who has no right being in the theater because the parent doesn’t know how to say no.

You have the right to let your kid watch the movie but do it at home where you can discuss the adult themes with out interrupting the entire audience.

As long as they are quiet, who cares? Seriously, IT”S BATMAN! And you can see worse on television on any given day. Shut up and move on.

“…your stupid and should not be allowed to write columns.”

Irony ladies and gentleman.

The worst case of this phenomenon that I ever saw was during Rob Zombie’s “Halloween.” A woman and a guy (I presume parents,but
could have been babysitter and boyfriend–who knows) brought two
kids (girl, eight years old, boy, four years old) to the movie. They sat
right in front of me, and the kids were absolutely terrified. The boy
cried through 3/4 of the movie, and was constantly asking to go to
the bathroom, which annoyed the man, though it was obviously to
avoid exposure to the movie. The situation disturbed me so much
that I couldn’t enjoy the movie; I felt like I was witness to child abuse.
I thought this was an isolated, incredible incident, but, several months later, I experienced the same thing when I went to see “The Ruins,” which, if you haven’t seen it, is DEFINITELY not for kids. This time, the couple brought in a five-year-old girl and what looked like a newborn in a stoller. The five-year old whimpered and turned away from the screen through most of the movie, and the parents were completely oblivious to the fact that she was scared to death.

Look, I have three kids–I know how difficult it is to get some time away, and I know that not everyone can afford sitters I just think that
there are some things you have to sacrifice when you have kids; and if it means taking them to Wall-E and waiting for the child-inappropriate movie to come out on dvd, so be it.

My wife and I are 27, and our problem when we went to see the movie last night wasn’t the “tweens.” It was smartass 16 year olds.

I agree with Ms. Irvine. As an avid movie goer I hate going into a PG13 and R rated movie and have a few months to 8 years old running around, talking and just being generally disruptive. I know kids will be kids but those same parents who let there kids act like that would be angry and find it disruptive if other kids were acting the same way. Its more of “my child is special” syndrome that this country has. But then again the worst disruptive movie going experience I had was from a bunch of 13-15 year old’s who somehow got into an R rated horror movie. Who for some reason could not shut up. But after a complaint to the staff and possible being afraid they would be kicked out for being underage they got quiet quick. A weird problem though is that people much rather not complain during the situation and just mouth off later to friends/family instead of confronting the situation, in a movie theater either talk to the disruptor or tell the theater staff. That is all you can do now-a-days, so might as well complain if something is bothering you.

Curtis I am w/ you %100!!! Life it too short to be this consumed-it’s simple: be considerate of others.

Don’t forget whatever you choose to expose or bring into your childrens psyce is what you as a parent are going to have to deal with.
Kids can’t always put things into words…but they understand a LOT more than we give them credit for. Just be cautious and not “cool”

I have two- 9 &12, and if I don’t see it first and deem it appropriate-they don’t see it.

This is a subject that’s bothered me for while.

Yes please leave the kiddies at home with the exception of what is obviously a kid’s movie. I remember going to see Disturbia and there were kids there 7-8 years old and crying babies. Disturbia?? Which featured serial killers and dead bodies and fatal car accidents? I was appalled. As far as I’m concerned infants should not be allowed into theatres period. Come on people, you know infants and toddlers have no business being in a theatre for two hours. End of discussion.

It does seem to be a worsening problem, I can hardly go to any movie of any rating that does not involve kids running up and down the aisles, talking, kicking seats, etc. I agree that youngsters today are very ill-mannered. If I had acted like that as a child my parents would have taken me outside without hesitation.

I refuse to go to the theatre closest to my house anymore because of the extreme rudeness of the other patrons, kids and adults. And the staff does nothing about it. I’ve had to ask for my money back on several occasions because no one around me can sit in their seats and shut their mouths or turn off their cell phones. Am I expecting too much here??

Some parents say that they can’t afford a babysitter—gimme a break. I find it hard to believe that most of these people do not have the means to find someone to watch their child for three hours. A trusted friend, a trusted neighbor, a parent, a grandparent, a brother, a sister, an in-law, a cousin, an aunt, an uncle. And I bet most of these folks would be willing to even do it for free.

As far as The Dark Knight, I have not seen it yet but judging from the previews alone I’d bet my paycheck that it’s not appropriate for kids under twelve.

All i know is that I went out for coffee at a local coffee shop, and there were kids everywhere climbing on the sofas, crawling on the floors, and throwing the books that were for patrons. Just because the coffee shop was set up to look like home doesn’t mean it is home. The parents were not even LOOKING at their kids. I said to my boyfriend that I wanted to leave because I felt like I was in romper-room, and I just knew from all the chaos that someone would be burned.

This 1 year old baby was crawling ( actually he was scooting) all over the place,-the parents were not paying attention, the waitress tripped over the baby, and spilled coffee on the dad who saved his screaming sofa climbing son just in time from being burned. The dad screamed bloody murder and the mom started screaming at the waitress. These people are total trash and my dog behaves better than they did.

I hope they never go to the movies.

And for the record, I think it shows incredible ignorance to assume that we know anything about Heath Ledger’s reasons for overdosing or even if he meant to, unless you knew him personally.

Just because he was a famous actor doesn’t mean he also wasn’t a human being. He’s dead. Show some respect.

There are too many parents out there with the attitude of “kids will be kids”. This is a sign of a truly horrible parent. Unless you are at Chuck E Cheese, parents are responsible for teaching their children how to behave in public. If they are incapable of doing that they should leave their children at home.

I think it is a parents decision to censor the movies that their children are allowed to see. I have no problem sharing a movie theater with a child as long as they are well mannered.

Okay, I have to add my two cents as well. My issue at the theater is teenagers, not children. I’m just sick and tired of teenagers sitting in the movie, texting on their cell phones, yelling vulgarities, trying to be cool with their friends and at times, just obscene. Sure, kids drive me crazy too, but hey, they’re kids! It’s the darn teenage hoodlums that need to be taken care of. They’re the one’s that need parental guidance in public.

Here’s one idea for parents that want to see these types of movies, but can’t afford or easily get a babysitter.

Go to a drive-thru.

My brother’s got two kids under the age of four. He still wants to see the adult-type movies, so he and his wife will sit in the front seat and watch the movie. He’ll give the kids toys and snacks and they just sit in the back and play and not even pay attention to the movie.

So, it satisfies both sides of the argument. Mom and dad still get to see a non-cartoon movie every once and a while. And the kids aren’t bothering anybody nor seeing an inappropriate movie. As a bonus, most of the movies are double-features, so it’s cheaper, too.

Obviously, this won’t work for everyone, but you may not even realize that it’s an option in your area. So, check it out!

I don’t have a problem with kids at the movies as long as they are well-behaved. But I really, really hate it when kids talk the entire time, kick the back of the seats, run up and down the aisles or sit in the middle of the row and then have to get up and disturb everyone while they run out for snacks every 15 minutes. And then there are the teenagers who blind me with their cell phone lights as they text throughout the entire movie. It’s not the fact that they are kids, it’s the fact that they are incredibly rude and ill-mannered, completely devoid of respect for others, that really gets under my skin.

In fact, the behavior of kids in the theater has been such a problem for me that I am seeing fewer and fewer movies in the theater. I’ll just wait for them to come out on DVD.

I’ve been on both sides of this. I took my 6-month-old (bottle-fed, in carrier) to see ID4. It was a matinee. I knew he’d sleep through it and had a pretty good chance to actually see the movie because he wasn’t a crier. Yes, he slept through most of it. He woke up right as Russell Casse was sacrificing himself to save the planet. Baby started to cry, I picked him up, spent 2 seconds trying to feed him, he didn’t stop, so I grabbed everything and ran for the door. Ok, I thought. I got him out quickly, I’m sure I didn’t annoy anyone.
A couple of days later I was in the salon getting my hair done and my hair dresser said he went to see ID4 but some idiot baby started bawling right as Russell was sacrificing himself to save the planet. Crap. Seriously. I did admit that it was me and was sorry and we had a good laugh. I diffused his anger and he ended up sympathetic to me and I had a better understanding that what may seem like hardly any time for me (grab everything and run for the door), was a lot longer for everyone else in the theater. Even if it is 2 minutes of crying, it’s an interruption of the movie experience. Hey, no one said parenting was easy and that we didn’t have to make sacrifices. For that matter, I enjoyed ID4 much better at home on DVD when I could actually sit through the entire thing and SEE THE ENDING! Parents, keep the kids at home until they’re old enough to enjoy the movie AND not annoy anyone else.

I agree that kids would want to see it more if we do not show it to them first – what with all the chatter at school and in the playground. I have no problems with kids watching PG-13 or any other movie as a long as we have discussed with them beforehand what the premise is. Also, it is important to keep quiet during the movie – because now the person, regardless of the age, is disturbing all other paying moviegoers and that, my friends, is the only thing that I am very serious about.

I agree with the author. I absolutely hate rude people and their obnoxious children. It really irks me that so many people do not have common decency anymore. Leave the kids at home. And how can these parents not afford a babysitter? They are paying more per hour for the movie!

I think everyone is missing the point of the article! The author is not chastising parents who determine that their younger kids can handle a PG-13 movie. The main complaint is that parents are bringing their toddlers and tweens to movies that begin after 9:00pm, and then failing to control their outbursts, seat kicking, etc. These “parents” think that they’re sitting on their couch at home, so they can bring portable glowing Gameboys to occupy their kids’ attention while the parents enjoy the movie…while ruining the experience for everyone else around them.

It’s the height of arrogance for people like Eze and Toni Smith to think that they have the right to allow their children to ruin a movie for 100+ people who have each paid $9-12 for their seat. Movie patrons have a reasonable expectation of QUIET, and any brat that is causing a problem should be KICKED OUT along with the IDIOT PARENTS.

But scapegoating only children isn’t fair – I’ve been to the 21+ movies at the ArcLight in Hollywood (no one under 21 allowed at specific showings), and sometimes the adults at those showings are more disruptive than children!

Seems like everyone with a Blackberry or iPhone sits in the first ten rows, and those bright glowing screens are incredibly distracting. Then, of course, there are the people who feel the need to TAKE PHONE CALLS in the theatre DURING THE MOVIE…what the heck is up with that?! And those are just two examples…that doesn’t even include all the conversations people feel the need to have.

The main problem is that a small percentage of people in our society have never learned manners and courtesy. They believe everything is about THEM and couldn’t care less about other people. Eze is a perfect example, calling OTHERS a “grouch” and “pathetic” when it’s actually people like HER who are the problem, thinking that she has the right to ruin a movie for 100+ people.

At the last PG-13 movie I saw, a couple was sitting next to me with their 4-year-old daughter. The mother felt it was perfectly acceptable to discuss the movie with her kid as a running narrative, explaining everything that was going on. It never stopped! I politely asked her to refrain since it was very distracting, but she made some snarky comment and kept it up. So to make my point, I turned on my glowing cell phone and pointed it right at her while telling her all about my work week, traffic, etc. She then actually asked ME to stop talking and turn off my cell phone screen! Ha ha! Well, I just kept it up for about 2 minutes, and she threatened to get theatre management. I ignored her and kept it up for another minute. She finally got up with her husband – ostensibly to get management – but never came back. Several people around me leaned over to thank me

It’s Batman. Let me repeat that: Batman. It may be a more mature take on Batman, but via campaigns and a slew of toys like I’ve never seen, The Dark Knight is being heavily marketed to children under 13. While some adults enjoy comic books — for good reason — in American tradition comic books, especially the comic book giants like Batman, are associated with children. Children will want to see The Dark Knight, because it’s Batman and because it’s being marketed to them in the toy aisle like crazy. Personally, I think this film is too intense for our middle son to see in the theater. We may test the waters on DVD, as we may with Ed Norton’s Incredible Hulk project, having been warned about it by a friend. But do you know how… The only word here is “stupid”… How stupid you sound telling people they shouldn’t take their kids to a BATMAN movie. I was 36 before I had kids, and just a couple years younger when I acquired a stepdaughter. But all the years before that, I worked in a PR department, and I was the single (at least not married) guy with no kids who took Christmas Eve press checks on publications so the publications’ editors and art directors could be home the kids they already had. I pulled extra duty when a mom or dad in our department had to leave to deal with sick kids, or problems at school, or whatever came up with their kids. Why? Because I was once a kid, and someone once did these things for my parents when I was a kid. Now it seems there is bunch about 25 – 35, no kids, often single, who do nothing but snivel and whine if there is a child present in public, no matter where they are. You were once a child, too, but I suspect our society — so righteously, allegedly, focused on family — would be better of if you’d never ever been a child.

I love the “parents” who use the no $$ for a babysitter excuse. Look folks, if you cannot afford a babysitter then you obviously cannot really afford to be going to the movies.

Save that money for food for the kids…be a “parent”.

The problem with many of these parents is twofold. First they want to be the cool parents and set few or no boundries for their children. Most of us pay the consequences for this every day. Second, as has been pointed out numerous times, these parents don’t want to be bothered with a sitter. Either they don’t have one they use often, or they use this as their “quality time” with their kids.

To those who are trying about their right to bring their kids, or thier children’s right to see the movie, how about being responsible. Your job is to protect and control your child. Taking a 6 year-old to a PG-13 movie is irresponsible. It’s PG-13 and anybody bringing a child under 10 aught to be taken out back and have some sense beat into them.

I don’t go the movies often but most times it’s teenagers that tend to be the problem, they like their feet up don’t care if they talk and have no problem calling a buddy in the middle of the movie.

Also those people, (seems like mostly middle ages women), that will sneak a bag of chips in the theather and slowly open them like no one will hear them, then eat a few and slowly closed the bag to only a few minutes later open it back up again.

Clearly, you don’t have children. Heck, with your bitter/sour outlook on others enjoyment you probably don’t have a mate either. Instead of going to the theatre why don’t you wait wait and rent it because I’m sure there is NO ONE at home to bother you there.

Nail on the head, my friend. Some people actually like to go to movies to hear the dialogue, not some twit with an infant. If the kid is well-behaved, then by all means, let them go (it is a comic book movie, afterall) but if you’ve got a crier, whiner, pants-wetter, etc… don’t make us suffer for your decision to multiply. People without kids shouldn’t be punished for your decision to inflict your spawn on us all.

“The Dark Knight” is much too violent for MOST children (under 13).
If you as a parent cannot understand that, then you have more issues going on then just worrying about paying for a baby sitter.

Yes, they are loads of cute Batman toys you can buy your child.
But there are also loads of “Aliens” toys sold based on the R rated Aliens series of movies. So you cannot judge what movie is suitable for children simply on whether a company is selling children’s toys or not.

So even though I will see this film I will not take my 11 yeard old daughter.

And YES, when I’m paying $10.00 to see a film it is about ME.

Bottom line: I agree with this article.

I agree with Nancy in that “small children” should not see this movie. I have three children of my own; 12, 10, and 8 respectively. I am planning on taking my children to see ‘The Dark Knight’, but I also expect my children to behave and thus far have not had an issue with them. Of course they are at an age where I am able to reason with them and they are aware if they don’t behave then they don’t get to go to the movies. It is a parental decision, but where do we draw the line on the age of the child(ren)? For parents who are taking their young children to see the movie, at least be mindful of and considerate of others at the movie and remove yourself and your child(ren) if they are not able to refrain from being disruptive during the movie. I understand we are all there to enjoy ourselves, but at what expense?

I have a 4 year old daughter and I would never allow her to see a movie like this. And the times she gets to go to the movies she must behave properly. I am a big movie fan. I try to go as often as I can but with the prices the way they are, we cannot afford a sitter that often, so (i hate to admit) i go by myself. I know it is a little wierd but I get to see the films I want to see.

I understand that people have a problem with the kids but in my opinion the adults are worst then the kids sometimes.

I think the real issue here is the behavior of the kids, not if they should be there or not. Where are the responsible parents who are teaching their kids how to behave and reeling them in when they do not? If my kids behaved like that in public I’d take them out of the theater in an instant! I alway correct them and guide their behavior and because of that I can take them anywhere. Kids should learn how to respect others in public and if they can’t, that is when you shouldn’t take them. Parents, teach your children about respect and proper behavior. I get so frustrated at the kids who make noise, kick the seat etc and the parent is sitting right there next to them doing nothing about it. That is the true problem.

Well from a lot of the comments from parents who feel that children SHOULD be allowed to see Batman, I feel that two points were not stressed enough to sink into their skulls.

1) This movie is rated PG-13, and while that is not R it is also not simply PG. Parental Guidance with the added “13″ is an age suggestion (yes, suggestion). And there’s a reason. The average child under age 13 with either not have the maturity to handle the content, or might simply not be interested in following the subtleties and complexities of the plot. It is not just that “OOOO it might scare them!” it is to protect them (and you, AND THE REST OF US) from their own boredom and frustration.

2) The issue at hand is also the curfew aspect. These were midnight showings. I know it’s summer and most kids didn’t have school today, but still… taking a young child to a 2.5 hour movie that starts at 12am does not show very good parental judgement. This will only amplify the boredom and frustration that I mentioned above.

I believe in every parents right in raising their child as they see fit, but let’s be honest… some (I don’t have hard numbers) of you are not doing such a stellar job. I can rarely eat at a restaurant or fly on a plane or go to a movie without some kid who is out of control. And I don’t mean just “being a kid”, but SERIOUSLY out of control. Not to rant too much on the subject, but I make a point to avoid bothering others in my day to day life and it would be nice to see parents reciprocate the courtesy.

I’m 21 and there were parts of this film that even I found disturbing- exposing somebody under 13 to this level of violence and human darkness is beyond me. Course, these are probably the sort of parents who would have taken their kids to see Silence of the Lambs when that first came out.

People baffle me.

Fortunately everybody in my theater last night had the good sense to keep the kids at home.

Seriously, how hard is it to find a babysitter?

Guess they shouldn’t market toys for kids for an “adult” movie, or t-shirts that come as small as 2T if they don’t want kids interested in it.

I am taking my kids to see it, but I have well behaved movie going kids. In addition we are seeing a matinee so it is a less adults only atmosphere.

My kids don’t understand every little nuance in a movie, but they enjoy superhero movies and understand good guys and bad guys. They also understand it’s a movie, make believe, and don’t have nightmares or become unsettled afterwards. If they ever had an adverse reaction, I wouldn’t take them.

I would also like to say that for every annoying parent who stays in the theater with their crying, or whining, or kicking child there are about 4 or 5 adults who let their cell phone ring, actually answer their phone and talk on it, or continue to talk loudly throughout the movie. I even had a guy put his big huge boot through the armrest onto my shoulder the other week. So this isn’t a matter of just kids.

Hey Super Jesse Mario:

Can I be there when you tell your son that his first movie was “Dark Knight”, so I can hear him tell you exactly how big an idiot you are?!?

rosanna and jen – the mothers who will be the downfall of the country. Yeah, take your well behaved, lovely children to see every violent, adult movie, because it is based on a comic. Yes, you will “take care of bad behavior as you see fit” and the rest of us should just “lighten up”. It’s because of parents like you that when a preschool teacher asks a group of 4 year olds, what’s your favorite movie, they say Ironman and Spiderman and then spend outdoor time hitting and misbehaving on the playground. You people let your kids see too much and grow up too fast, just because you are selfish and don’t want to let raising children interrupt your lifestyle. Be a parent, not a friend – learn to say no and let your kids be kids for a change.

Leave the brats at home if they can’t sit still and be quiet during the movie. If they start having a fit, take them out. It’s not just about your kids. Everyone paid admission to the movie and has the same right to enjoy as everyone else.

I grew up watching pg-13 and SOME R rated movies at around 10 years old. It depends on the content of the movie but this shouldn’t be a problem for some 12 year old to watch. If you think otherwise i think you need to get to know your own kids.

Inappropriate for like a 7 year old probably, in fact kids that young I wouldn’t even take to a theater anyways unless it was strictly a kids movie to begin with.

“Can I be there when you tell your son that his first movie was “Dark Knight”, so I can hear him tell you exactly how big an idiot you are?!?”

My first movie was was some 80s Arnold flick and I thought it was great. If something as great as Dark Knight was my first I would probably be sad that I didn’t remember seeing it.

Sometimes I think the adults need to grow up more than their kids. Still working those 1950s ‘moral values’ are we? I wouldn’t be surprised if one of our future presidents watched Predator or something like that as their first movie.

I agree with whomever complained about the MPAA rating guidelines. Why are our values so backwards, I saw it when I worked in theaters. It’s okay if people are being killed but any inclining of sex (even between a husband and wife) unless it’s hilarious like American Pie, and it’s outlawed. Lets see without sex none of us would be here and it’s natural….it’s not natural to want to cut someone up and stuff them in a plastic bag and it’s not nice to pee on walls outside but we’ll let our kids see it. And we wonder why we have 11 year olds murdering each other.
As far as the marketing goes…um ever heard of the word NO. You can say it to your children once in a while. They won’t spontaneously combust or stop loving you.

Movie ratings mean nothing these days. Just because it is PG 13 does not mean it is appropriate for 13 year olds. If they are not mature enough to sit in the theatre quietly, without kicking the back of other people’s seats, talking inappropriately and too loudly, and using their cell phones, then they should be left home.

It’s also not just the older children brought into the theatre, it’s the younger ones as well. I have two daughters (4 1/2 and 11 months) and they have not been to the theatre ever yet because I don’t want my movie experience ruined or that of other people. Before I had kids I cringed when I saw people bringing their kids into obvious adult movies that were late showings. Suck it up and get a babysitter! I pay $12 per hour for my babysitter and if you can’t afford it then stay home and wait for the movie to be available to rent or on pay per view.

“What a grouch. Pathetic. This movie is for both kids and parents.”

Err, no. Respectfully, I hope you are saying that based on past experiences with PG-13, because consensus all around is this movie deserved an R-rating all the way. That’s why good parenting is based on researching a film before seeing it. Just saying “this is R, so not good for my kids, and this is pg-13, so it is” is too short sighted. There are stabbings, shootings, etc. in this movie. A child is threatened with a knife by the Joker in one very tense sceen. The violence is very real, even if a little bloodless. Most critics say the film is much closer to The Godfather or the Departed than say another Spiderman movie. Most critics are saying Ledger is the best scary villain since Hopkins in The Silence of the lambs. That’s a compliment to the film, but it obviously intones it’s not for the whole family. It’s dark, long, scary, and complex. Not a film for 10 year olds.

His point is that the kids are NOT quiet, they cannot sit through a whole movie and the parents do not seem to care. Some parents do, but the majority of movies I go to, they ignore the kids while they run the aisles, spill soda and goof off. If you know your kid cannot behave and can ruin the good evening of an entire theater of people, get a babysitter. If you can’t get one? Tough. Then you get to wait until you CAN get one or it comes out on DVD. I went to see the remake of Halloween and the couple in front of me brought two boys who looked to be about 3 and 6 years old. That movie had a TON of nudity, sex scenes and gore. And they will be the ones complaining that their kids were up all night with nightmares. If I DO take my son to the movies, he knows that if he starts acting up he gets one warning and then we will leave. Yes, it sucks for me to miss a movie after I paid for it, but guess what? My son can sit through a whole movie because he knows that there ARE consequences if he acts up.

Any of you who are whining about “WAAH I will do what I want with my kids!” need to knock if off. Yes, you have the legal right to drag your kid into a movie and let them screw around… but you are the same people who whine when someone in front of you at the store decides to write a check and use a million coupons, then argue about the prices of everything that is getting scanned by the cashier. It’s perfectly LEGAL for them to do that, but guess what? Everyone stuck in line behind them is inconvenienced and half out of their mind with annoyance by the time they leave the store. You cannot just ignore the fact that you are being completely inconsiderate to the rest of society, then whine when it happens to you like it is a crime. Karma. Get over it.

my guess is that 98% of these parents who say its their choice to bring their kids to what ever movie they please and they will discipline their kids if they see the need to during a movie will not. I am also going to guess that rosanna was the one down the row from me who had the child who was scared out of her wits crying and was begging her mom to leave, but wouldn’t get off her fat inconsiderate butt because she wanted to watch the movie. Good thing parents like that bring a friend with them who have the common sense enough to take care of their kids for them (or at least in this case)

lolololol This is too much! It seems to me that if anyone has a problem with ANYONE at a movie theater, DON’T GO. When will you all realize that no one is ever going to win? Someone is always going to be b—-ing about something! Too expensive, too loud, kicking the chair, running around. Ban certain people, then you have folks yelling discrimination, not My kid, etc.

The people in this entire country need to lighten up. Everyone takes themselves so friggin seriously! Can’t we all just get along? :- )
lol

I don’t mind the children….its the parents that pay no attention to their kids kicking the back of seats, running up and down the steps, talking, fighting with their siblings over popcorn, etc. and don’t do a damn thing about it! I know they’re used to watching TV/Movies and drowning out their kids’ noise, but when in public there should be that common courtesy and sense to know not everyone can drown them out!

There is a very similar discussion going on over the the flickfilosopher(dot)com website, with quite a bit of interesting commentary. For my part there is NO WAY I would even consider taking a kid under the age of 15 to this movie, and that’s just based on the trailers. SOOOO not a kids film.

I find it funny how many “adults” are claiming Batman, a comic aimed at children, is a movie for them. Get a clue you are an old person tyring to reconnect with your childhood, and at the same time proving your old by complaining about all the young “whipper snappers” that are around you. You paid $8, good for you, now lets take a look at who the studio is really targeting. With many animated shows, video games, and toys (based on the movie in question) it seems the kids are the targeted audience. I mean when have you seen a “Sex in the City” cartoon. It is a public theater and I know this going in. If you want to see the movie with out other bothering you then wait for the dvd. Also for your info Hannah Montana, Batman, Superman and things like are all on the same level. Hannah Montana is just a new kids show. 10 of 15 years from now she be making a reunion movie and you’ll be there once agin complaining about how people brought thier kids.

I have a 4 year old and a 9 year old. We took them to see the Hulk, my 4 year old flipped out at the initial 5 minutes of the movie so I got up and took him out and left while my husband and 9 year old watched the movie. I see both sides.

As a parent and as a movie goer I did not want others to have his crying disrupt their experience so I took him out. Now my 9 year old did fine.

So it is not every child but if your child does end up having a tantrum, can not hold still, becomes frightened, etc. Just be polite and take them out of the theater. Then you won’t traumatize your child who may not have wanted to be there to begin with.

It is an easy solution and everyone wins (well, except me but I can get over it since I took the chance right???)

“And oh I will be taking them too. I suggest next time rent a Movie and stay home, and then you wont have to worry about Kids… ”

Oh, amen, Jen. We took our four-year-old son to see WALL-E at a 10:30 a.m. Sunday show, theater a third full. He’s good if we coach him a bit, doesn’t babble on, doesn’t ask too many questions, all that sotto voce, with a few exclamations — like when he was worried about WALL-E. There was a couple the row behind us, their girl was six, maybe five almost six, and she was talking quite a bit, in a fairly loud voice, asking a ton of questions. Her parents kept trading off getting up and down and taking her out of the theater, and you could obviously see it was only all out of fear the rest of us would get upset with their noisy girl. I came this close to going back there and sitting down by her dad and telling him, please, just sit and enjoy the film with your kid; it’s WALL-E, it’s far and away primarily a kid’s film, and anyone who has problem with your talkative daughter in this context needs to be medicated.

And on the way out, of course, two guys, late 20s, there sans kids to see the movie, they were hustling on their merry way, shoved into my son at top of the escalator, knocking him down so he had to scramble back up the down escalator to the top. I’d already gone down while my wife and our son looked at the “life-size” Hulk statue; these two gents went around my son, didn’t even try to help him up, took the other, parallel down escalator, and laughed like it was a comedy show while my wife scrambled back up the down escalator to get to my son.

They walked right by me on their way out. They’re lucky I’d rather spend the next twenty years with my kids than in the penitentiary. I’m hardly a member of the Cult of Child Worship, I like my no-kids time too when I can get it, but you self-absorbed monsters crying your eyes out about the public presence of children — you know, little HUMAN BEINGS — disgust me.

The last two movies I’ve gone to see I’ve had to deal with parents who’ve taken their INFANT children into R-Rated movies. I understand that sometimes people can’t find babysitters or don’t want to wait for a DVD, but they should at least respect that the other couple HUNDRED people in that same theater paid a good amount to give THE MOVIE their attention, NOT the screaming child of one.

If they can’t fathom taking the baby out of the theater until it calms, they should consider drive-in’s. My sister has been going to them since her baby was born and she, and all the patrons around her, are doing just fine.

As I read everyone’s “opinion” above me, I sit here at my office desk and ponder what to do about tonight’s movie times for the Dark Knight.

I for one will never go to the opening week of a new movie for the sheer fact of “Human Interaction” and “Family Atmosphere” being totally screwed up.

Don’t take your kids to movies after 9:30pm and later, those kids should be in bed. They need their 6+ hours of sleep.

And parents, grow some manners and self-humiliation, When your kids act up, ANYWHERE, they should be “attended to properly”.
I’m out.

Kids were hitting each other a long time before there were violent movies.

Curtis said: “If this is what you deem a “problem” then count your blessings.”

Of course, kids acting up in the cinema is not our biggest problem, but it is a symptom of a bigger problem, the general lack of discipline and failure to teach our children respect for others. I go to the movies frequently, and after looking at the parents, I have little doubt that the misbehaving six-year-olds at The Dark Knight will be tomorrow’s 16-year-old punks hanging out on the corner at 2:00 a.m.

It’s not valid to say that if you don’t want to deal with the public, then you should stay home. We learn certain behaviors in order to make it comfortable for us to interact with one another in public. Kids who aren’t taught appropriate behavior–such as not shouting in movie theaters, and not taking their six-year-olds to see movies like The Dark Knight–will be tomorrow’s drop-out statistics, crime statistics, unemployment statistics, and goverment welfare statistics.

Go look at the parents of the misbehaving kids and tell me I’m not right.

John – ARE YOU INSANE???

“Definitely NO BABIES, those under those under 3 haven’t the capacity of remembrance anyways, and if you plan on putting them in a seat your not paying for that’s not right. Leave those babies in the car.”

What is wrong with you…leave them in the car??? I hope you never become a parent.

I am a parent of five, very well behaved kids. We bring our kids to the movies often. They do not talk, kick chairs or otherwise misbehave. However, I don’t bring them to movies at midnight and I don’t bring them to movies that are inappropriate for them. My husband, on occasion, go to separate movies. One of us will bring the older ones to one movie, while the other parent takes the youngest to a more appropriate movie. Sometimes, I will stay home with the four year old even if I really wanted to see the movie. I still haven’t seen Fantastic 4, X-Men III or several other movies that my husband and other kids have seen because I stayed home with the youngest one. It is called being a responsible parent and putting parenting ahead of personal wants.

If my kids ever misbehaved in public, they would promptly be taken home, regardless of the lost money.

To all of you out there screaming that you have a “right” to bring your kids, or someone is “infringing on my right” to enjoy the movie in peace and quiet, can you please point out to me, exactly where in the Constitution or Bill of Rights where it states that you have a “right” to go to the movies?

go see the movie on a monday night, less chance of a crowd. that’s what i do. helps to wait 2 weeks as well.

Honestly, the coin flips both ways.

People without kids (or parents who choose not to bring their kids) have the right to enjoy their movie as they see fit. However, so do parents who DO choose to bring their children. Until both sides pay for the tickets of the other, neither has a leg to stand on.

That being said, I would never dream of bringing a toddler to see Dark Knight.

Babysitter? What’s that? Parents today have never heard of them. Kids are taken everywhere. I can’t remember the last restaurant – of any caliber – that I’ve attempted to enjoy that didn’t have little kids running around or making noise. Last Sunday, a kid in a high chair screeched for a full hour: at 9:00 pm on a Sunday night! Did the parents take it out or consider leaving it at home to get some sleep? Of course not. That would inconvenience them, and they’d rather ruin the restaurant experience for everyone else. Movies are the same. Today’s parents woudn’t dream of leaving their kids home just because the movie is inappropriate for kids – that might require them to (a) inconvenience themselves by getting a babysitter or waiting for the DVD or (b) saying “No” to their kids – which is taboo today. Call me a grouch, but I grew up in a society where bothering other people was socially unacceptable. Now it’s a God-given right.

Okay, I agree that BABIES should not be seeing this movie, HOWEVER..wasn’t batman made for children?!?! Hello! They make Dark Knight action figures for KIDS..not ADULTS! When you go to a movie that was originally made for kids, you should expect to see a few there. I’m sure we all wish that parents would use their best judgement on whether or not thier children are mature enough to sit throught the movie without bothering other movie-goers.

Parents need to take more responsibility when it comes to their kids. If their kids can’t keep their traps shut then don’t bring them. I am tired of spending $9+ on a movie and have so supposedly ‘good’ parent bring their winy little brat. I am also tired of these young ages 15-23 who can’t stop talking through out a movie and when they are told to shut up just complain louder.

It is not a hard concept that when you go to a movie keep your trap shut!

I don’t care about the content, I care about my experience when watching a movie. How often do you think, ‘You know, that movie was good, but when I saw it, there was this kid who WOULDN’T STOP CRYING’. People pay too much to have that be their lasting experience about a film.

There is a certain decorum that should be followed when watching a feature film in at the movie theatre. If you or anyone you are with choose not to follow it, then don’t complain about the stares, the glares, and people calling you out — you simply deserve it.

I am very offended by this article. Firstly PG-13 is designed for the parents to decided whether they want to take their under 13 kids into the movies. Since The Dark Knight has been advertised on every cartoon channel my 6 year old watches, I WILL be taking him to see the movie. I’d hope most parents take their kids to daytime movies to avoid the adult scene at night but dont blame the parents, blame the advertising and the laws of the rated movies.

Agreed. We saw Wanted recently, a fun action film with lots of gratuitous violence and swearing. An R rated movie. And there was a mother, bringing her 12 or 13 year old son in to watch this. And then they cry out, “who’s protecting the children?”. Good question, because these parents don’t seem to care.

Just because a movie is PG13 doesn’t mean kids of any age should see it. Parents should use a little common sense and realize that kids do not belong at every PG13 movie. I find it hard to believe that a toddler would understand Batman or most any other PG13 movie for that matter. Have a little respect for others who want actually want to see and hear the movie. Leave the kids with a sitter for once.

I think that the article is directed at the younger children i.e. the child crying or asking questions to the parents. I don’t necessarily think that no young children should be allowed to attend pg-13 movies but that parents should use appropriate discretion. Star Wars is very different then Dark Knight in its exploration of death, violence and evil and is not necessarily appropriate for all children. Mostly, I have a problem with parents bringing children to R rated movies. Just because children are allowed to see R movies w/ a parent doesn’t mean they should. I went to see Wanted last week and heard a 5 year old child saying “Shoot him, shoot him” and asking about sex. A parent should put their child’s needs above their own and if they want to see the movie they need to get a sitter or stay home and wait for the DVD.

It’s hard for me to believe what I’m reading in several blog entries. I’m the parent of four children. The’re all grown now, youngest in his early twenties. While rasing them there were movies my wife and I were eager to see. We just bit the bullet and either hired a sitter or waited for pay-per-view, video or dvd release. One thing for sure is that we took a stand that we would never put our own self endulgence above our kids. They now appreciate the sacrafice we took. Those kids who are married w/ children now do the same and have no problem. Investing in our youth should be a higher priority. I’ve seen the effects of kids who were allowed to see films way beyond their age. No more sneaking into the theaters, just tag along w/ Mom & Dad.

Feelings go differeently towards single parents. Seems like you never cn get a break. Would be great if a friend can offer to watch the kids while you take a well deserved break. Even better if they could chip into the sitter fee and go out w/ ya.

It’s not just kids. It’s about the change in culture. No one, kids or adults, seems to understand how to behave in a theater any more. A few weeks back, a cell phone rang a few seats down from me, and the person proceeded to have a conversation about the movie we were watchning. It was loud enough to gather that he was comparing it to another movie. In the lobby after the show, I found this person (an adult in his 50’s) continuing the conversation with the apparent caller (another adult about the same age). Apparently, the other man had gone to a different movie at the multiplex, and they couldn’t wait until the end of the movies to discuss their separate experiences. A new low in theater behavior, but I’ve also had to deal with idiots on cell phones or having conversations with their companions while at touring broadway shows and the opera and symphony. Why someone would spend $100 or more on a ticket and then ignore the show to talk to someone else is beyond me, but it is quickly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

I would argue that anyone, regardless of age, should be allowed at ANY show provided they can handle the material and behave responsibly. Good parents should be able to make that decision, and, should be willing to leave if they predict wrong on their child’s reaction. I have personally carried my children from the theater when they reacted more strongly than I expected to certain films. (Not very often, because I consider content before deciding whether to take them, but surprises do sometimes happen.) I seldom see other parents willing to get up and leave rather than annoy the other patrons.

Too often, though, the parents are as bad as the kids, so I would also argue that everyone, regardless of age, should stay home if they can’t turn off their cell phones and their mouths for the duration of the show. Your ticket purchase entitles you to one seat at the event; it does not allow you to do whatever you want once you’re in the door.

This discussion is great — I’ve been looking for a platform to express the exact concern I’ve had for ages. Why would you 1. As a parent allow for your child (13 and younger) to see such a film? 2. If you do bring a child to a film that is inappropriate for a child in the first place, you best make sure that child has some sort of manners and ability to behave in public and 3. Remember — this is a public place, not your living room where you can pause the movie to take a call, change a diapter, go pop some popcorn or or scold your child. The cost of going to a movie in a theater is too high for me to deal with your child. If you can’t afford a babysitter then you probably can’t afford to have a child in the first place. I don’t feel I should stay home when common decency should be respected.

This movie is NOT for anyone under 13, definitely. It is a violent, adult movie and I have no clue why they are marketing the toys in the cereal boxes.

This isn’t the batman you see on tv, much darker. I have 3 kids and I would never bring them to this movie.

Bu then again you have morons who bring their kids and let them run up and own the aisles, scream, kick you in the seat and when you say something,. they get mad at you. Those people shouldn’t be allowed to breed.

I don’t care who brings their kids or infants to movies just as long as they behave. What I do mind is when the kids or infants start acting up and the parents just sit there doing nothing. I understand if its a quick acting out, not when they go on and on for 5, 10 minutes or longer and the parent does nothing.

Even more annoying is the teenagers who constantly act up in the back of the theater amongst their friends.

Where are the personal noise canceling headphones when you need them to drown out the background noise!

Man the more post I read the more silly this becomes. Are some of you people really claiming BATMAN as an adult movie? So I guess Transformers was for adults too, and if the make a live action Ed Ed and Eddy movie I guess you’ll claim that for yourselves. People keep saying its violent! Have any of you seen what goes on in the comic, the movie cant compare to that (they killed a Robin in the comics). Others say the want understand the movie. Any child that is old enough to watch the Saturday morning cartoon would understand it, probably more than you. Here is the thing people are given two choices go see it at the theater (and deal with whatever happens there), or wait for the dvd (which you can watch at home and control the enviroment). Going to the theater and trying to control it like its your house is not an option. If you choose not to bring children that is your choice, do not try to rag on people who bring thier children to see a SUPERHERO MOVIE. Man that last part is for the “adults” claiming the movie is thiers. I guess some “adults” still need SUPERHEROS.

Avoid the kids, crowd and irritations. You should have gone to a drive-in. You can take your own “auditorium” with you (your car), and shut out anything that bothers you.

Then, the people with kids can tolerate all the inconsiderate behavior they can handle… it won’t bother anyone else!

Kids are as annoying as cell phones in the theatre (and elsewhere, for that matter). Equate them with cigarettes. You wouldn’t want to breathe in second hand smoke. Well, theatre goers do not want to deal with second hand annoying babies and kids . Get a babysitter and leave the kids at home!!!

Interesting comments here about disturbances from children.

What should I do about the late teen early twentys group that hit the matinee after brunch and are talking on their cell, kicking the chairs and are genrally rude and obnoxius.

I didnt pay my hard earned money to be seated by a bunch of teens and young adults that use foul language and act inaproprate.

By the way this is at movies like wall-E.

Two sides to every argument.

i agree that many times, its the adults, not children ruining movies- going to the movies, u should know what u might be getting into though….loud kids, teens, adults….

parents do not all raise their kids the same, but no one should judge someone else…

my kids are 14, 10 and 8. We are all going to see it-

If your kid bugs me during the movie, I’m just going to Taser him.

Enough said.

This tread cracks me up. I’ve seen so many comments from selfish parents, it’s actually very saddening.

I’m a parent myself, and when my wife and I got a ’sitter last weekend, we headed off to the LAST SHOWING OF THE NIGHT of Hellboy 2 last Saturday night. Sure enough – There were some excuses for parents who thought it was appropriate to bring their 1 year olds. Several of them. Forget wondering if it’s appropriate for a child to see what’s on the screen in “Dark Knight”, and instead, for you parents that think it’s appropriate subject material for a child, how about taking them to see it during hours that are healthy for the children?
Sorry, but I’m not convinced that there’s anything healthy about a 1-6 year old being taken to a movie that starts at 11pm.

If Theater owners wonder why attendance might be down in bad years, try this experiment: Don’t allow people into the theater who have to bring their children with them after a certain time (9pm?) I’d love to see the new batman, but probably will wait a couple of weeks, and let the kids see it with the parents during adult hours first.

If you can’t deal with kids “getting up and going to the bathroom” during a movie, wait for it to come out on DVD and watch it in your own home.

Remember, this is a PUBLIC place, meaning everyone has a right to be there. Yes, kids can be irritating. But so can adults.

Bat-man, since the term was first coined, had a target audience in children. To suggest a child targeted to “buy the toy” should not see the movie is truly remarkable, and borderline stupid.

I am absolutely certain that more of the toys, comics, costume sets, etc. will be purchased by children, and not by the “elderly”. You miss the big picture, i.e. movies make a substantial amount of money selling items such as toys, licensing for the toys, and use of the likenesses and images.

At around age 12, kids prefer to spend money on things OTHER than toys. So it seems a bit illogical to suggest a younger audience, with their parents, should not be allowed to see a picture that is directly marketing to them.

Go smoke your cigarette, or pull on your latte. Maybe check out some web-sites on anger management or how to cope with OCD. Even better, learn how to pick your rear out of an “uncomfortable seat” and move to the geriatric section.

Not every movie goer has to sit back and delves into “what” the director was aiming for, how great the lighting is for a specific shot, and what mentally deranged antics are going to occur. Some people, even in this day and age, still go to a movie for a few hours of entertainment.

You sound like a film student that needs a break.

Just enjoy the movie and worry about yourself, as opposed to wringing your brain about such trivial issues.

Lighten up!

This is a comic book character and is heavily advertized for children. If the movie was rated R, I could better understand your column.

I agree that parents should control their children and that parents should leave that have crying/disobedient/frightened childen. But if the kids are enjoying the movie, give em a break!

Go to a later showing.

There really is no excuse for bringing an infant or toddler to midnight screening of a violent movie like this, or any movie for that matter. These children should be in bed. It’s one of the most selfish things I can think of. Anyone can have a child, but having a child and being a good parent are not the same thing.

It has been said over and over again in this comment section but I would like to add my two cents as well.

This is definitely the “Me” era of the US. “I get to do whatever I want and no one will stop because it is my right.” For those of you who believe this I want to remind of something,
YOUR RIGHTS DO HAVE A STOPPING POINT!!! Your rights stop where the next persons begins.
You do have the right to bring your child to see whatever movie you deem appropriate. Keep in mind, when that child you brought starts screaming/crying/misbehaving that is infringing on other peoples rights. I believe the same for smoking, I certainly wouldn’t ever dream of stopping you, just don’t blow the smoke in my face or anywhere near me for that matter.

I am hoping to see the movie tonight. I don’t mind if kids go. But parents please, do your job, handle your responsibility, and lets all enjoy the movie we came to see.

The problem is that people are just rude nowadays. It’s all ‘me this!’, ‘me that!’. In all honesty, it makes little sense bringing a screaming child to the movies, anyone that claims otherwise is just being stubborn. Just because it’s a public arena, doesn’t give anyone the right to ruin the experience for everyone else! Leave the children at home unless you can keep them quiet.

Let’s not even get into people using cellphones during the movie. It’s like people have no manners!

Again-I am amazed and the violent tones of some of these bloggers
towards parents. I can take it tthoug so no worries. I like how you assume my son is violent out of control little mexican that will be the downfall of this country. I will have to do double duty to make sure he doesn’t judge people by what they may read, watch on tv, watch at the theater, Wear, eat etc… Discrimination is alive and well in this country.
I wonder if any of you played make believe when you were kids, (excluding the perfect human specimans that are on this blog).
Cops and robbers etc… I wonder how many wonderful novels written would be banned by all of you out there because you feel My child can’t handle it. Again- Wish all luck with A HORRIBLE PERSON like me roaming our wonderful country. Thanks for the wonderful view.

I’ve got 2 kids, a 20 month old, and a 5 year old. My children will not go to movies that are not strictly kid movies until they are much older.

Parents… get a grip(or a sitter). There are some scenarios where others are simply going to have to accept that kids are kids and they’re going to scream and cry (like an air plane). Movie theaters are not one of them though.

I need the list of places that my son should be allowed to go and at what times. I must have missed that at the last rules of the universe meeting

I have to be honest. After seeing this movie (and it is quite good), my girlfriend had trouble sleeping last night.

THIS PG-13 movie is not for the younger crowd, comic adaptation or not.

Get it on DVD and share it with your kids when they are old enough to deal with it.

I have a couple of comments to make on this subject.

1) Any person who claims that Batman is for kids shows their complete ignorance of the comic. It is painfully obvious that they have never read the any of the comic books including the originals. The only Batman reference you people seem to have is the 60’s TV show which was so far from the comic books that the creator refused to have anything to do with it.

2) It is really amazing to me that there are so many parents out there are willing to go to a blog like this and demonstrate that they should never have been allowed to become parents. The sheer selfishness that has been demonstrated here by parents would be quite funny if it were not so appalling. People like Rosanna and Nik claiming that they are going to take there children to this movie when it is obvious they know nothing about it is really scary to me. Just because a movie is advertised on a cartoon channel does not mean it is for all children. Beside have you ever noticed that many of those cartoons on the cartoon channels carry parental warnings or do you just plop your kid in front of the tv and forget them. What is even more scary is their selfish attitude. I really hope that you remember when your child wakes up screaming in the middle of the night from the nightmares this movie gives them that you get up and comfort them instead of remaining in bed as it is your sleep time and you don’t want to be distrubed.

Dennis,

Batman hasn’t been a kid friendly character for quite a long time. Since the comic companies were able to beat the censorship imposed on them by the CBC, all the characters have started going back to their roots from the ’30s-’40s – Batman and his rouge’s gallery included.

Forget the ’60s TV show (which Bob Kane distanced himself completely away from and he created the character). Forget the “Super Friends” (which I find highly amusing….they’re the JLA; not the “Super Friends”….I also find highly amusing that Batman has a plan on taking out each super in the DC Universe in case one of them goes insane – Superman included – but they’re all “buddy-buddy”? Please!). Forget the Burton/Schumacker films even. The Nolan movies is how Batman has been for the last 38+ years since Denny O’Neil took over in the ’70s and how the characters were originally conceived by Bob Kane in the ’40s.

Go to Wikipedia and learn some about the character. My frame of reference for pointing this out is as follows: I’ve got a seven year old that will absolutely NOT see this movie till he gets older just because of the issues involved and the character of the Joker in general. Batman is a very unique character overall – much like Spawn (minus the super abilities and the whole Heaven/Hell angle) – in that both are tragic and deal with some very heavy moral issues along with twisted individuals who kill in order to see the world burn. There are very few happy endings in the world Batman lives in.

Some parents just don’t think. I remember hearing about one parent who lodged a complaint with the theatre that showed Jurassic Park because she took her kids and they were traumatized because they expected it to be like Barney or the Flintstones. I’ve seen 4 year olds taken to see Bond movies. I remember a kids party that was taken to see a movie called DC Cab because it had Mr T in it — it wasn’t till the first bra came off that the organizers realized it was an R-rated comedy. (And yeah, why the theater didn’t say anything was a big question back then, too.)

I do feel that parents do get a bit of a bad rap at times. Kids are unpredictable and you really don’t know when that 2 year old might throw a tantrum in the middle of a mall, or if a movie or TV might freak them out. I know of kids who were traumatized by Barney, too. And Santa Claus.

But at some point common sense comes into play. Back in the days of DC Cab, there was no Internet, no way for parents to do research into a movie beforehand. But this is 2008. Everyone has the Internet or access to the Internet, and many of these films are described in scene-by-scene detail. There are websites like ScreenIt.com that provide detailed description of every little thing that might be an issue for parents. In my opinion, taking a small child to Dark Knight without having done the research and being aware of what the film is about, is as inexcusable as taking same child (if you could) to see YPF (Google it) without having done the research.

Lets face it, it will come down to those of us with sense to take charge of the situation. A couple of months ago I was in a theater watching an “R” rated action film (I didn’t bring any of my 4 kids) when a young couple walked with what looked to be a 6 year -old. It was only a couple of minutes into the movie when the boy wondered over to me and started bouncing on chairs and making all kinds of noise. Mom and Dad didn’t care so I simply turned around, and in my sternest voice, told the child to knock it off. I didn’t hear a sound from him the rest of the movie.

Too bad some parents won’t disciple their kids, but I won’t let it spoil my movie viewing. If you won’t disciple your kids in a public place, I have no issue doing so for you. I don’t expect a thank you from you, just don’t complain when I do your job for you!

Okay, so people seem pretty heated on this one.

Here’s my thoughts, both as a theater-goer, a former movie theater employee, and hopefully a future filmmaker…

It costs a lot to go to the movies these days. I’m a college student, and I’m pretty poor, but most of my “entertainment” allotment in my budget goes towards movie tickets. When I go to see a movie, especially one like “Dark Knight,” I want to immerse myself in it. The midnight showing I went to was fantastic because people cheered, laughed, and burst into applause, but when they needed to, they knew when to shut up.

By contrast, when I went to see “King Kong” several years ago at a normal evening showing, a kid that was old enough to know better spent half the movie kicking my seat and talking loudly. My fiancee eventually turned around and told the parents to be parents and tell their kid to shut up.

Look, I know that there are parents out there that have very well behaved kids. When I have kids, I won’t put up with them acting bratty. However, I don’t think that “Dark Knight” is a “kid’s movie.” Sorry if you disagree, but that is my feeling. If you want to take your kid, fine, but make sure they are old enough and mature enough to be considerate.

On a side note, usually the kids that ask what’s going on tend to be much younger than I’d recommend for this movie. There are plenty of good children’s movies, and rental places like Family Video offer free kids movies. Instead of spending the money for a full-priced ticket on a movie they won’t understand, pick out something more age-appropriate.

And to all the parents that are really taking this personally and lashing out…she is entitled to her opinion, and you should respect that.

Attention please, can i have your attention please…umm humm…allow me to retort!

I realize this is cnn and not myspace, so the great LORD Eze is going to have to watch his language and obviously spell correctly here for anyone to take me seriously as if writing on here is like doing my disseration, which I am working on–PhD. SURPISE!!!

i AM amazed (did i spell that right?) at the stupidity of the United States of America and half you yuppy trash gimps who write on this thing. Your so old on here, that when you fart, dust comes out. Allow me to defend Americas youth and good parenting.

First, I never condoned, loud misbehaving children. This forum and stuck yuppies put these words in my mouth.

Second, Batman is a kids movie PERIOD. Its comic book, batman toys for the movie, cartoons for the movie, etc. Maybe you all have retarded kids that cannot comprehend fact from fiction and like mine can…i guess im pretty good and teaching my son values and reality. Your acting like he went to see basic instinct.

Third, you overgrown stuffy nosed, tube tying yuppies who hate children and dont want them even over your house can take your crap elsewhere. The kids have a right to their batman. You overgrown, batman and joker nerds who dress up for the movie like losers think its all abot you…GROW UP.

Now I leave you with this…wait I cant swear on here…zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz in your face.

I’m not getting the ‘PhD’ in anything that was just posted.

I didn’t pay $10 to see a 2 1/2 hour movie at 9:15 pm during which the 5 and 6 year old kids behind me asked their mom questions the whole time and got up twice to go to the bathroom. Then again, the adults in the group weren’t much better, providing running commentary and asking each other questions. The beeping of a dying cell phone was also a nice touch. Why is it so hard for people to be quiet for the length of a movie??

Here are my thoughts: I was raised the son of a theatre manager back when it actually took managing (promotions, taking promo packets and designing layouts to run in papers, actually having to make choices on what to run in Your theatre instead of just the films the company sends you…..). It seems to me that something missing is the ability of parents to PARENT!!! If you bring in a child to a movie _ANY MOVIE_ be prepared to correct his behaviour and take him outside if he causes a disturbance for any other person watching the film. Yes, you might have to miss some or all of the movie, but that is part of being a parent. And maybe if the child gets pulled out a few times they will appreciate the film sooooooo much more when they are allowed in.

A crying baby should not be allowed in the theatre any more than we would tolerate an adult screaming his lungs out. The difference is that the adult would be thrown out, probably with the police called, while the infant is allowed to carry on while his parents just sit there. Take the crying baby out!

About the ratings system- this is a self-imposed rule of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). G = General Admission (everyone is welcome- would it surprise you that 2001 and Planet of the Apes were both G movies?- and there is basically no sex or bad language, or inuendo.) PG = Parental Guidance is Suggested (everyone can come, but parents should know and GUIDE which movies their children are seeing; there may be anything from a quick breast, some cursing, violence, or even sexual dialogue.) PG-13 = Parental Guidance Suggested; No-one under 13 Admitted without a Parent or Guardian (parents can bring any kids with them, and if you are over 13 you can come alone; compare the violence/gore of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom to that of Raiders of the Lost Ark- Temple of Doom is what promted the PG-13 rating to come into effect, and that was after it was given a PG because it didn’t come close enough to an R that they MPAA decided there needed to be a middle-ground.) I can assure you that my parents _ALWAYS_ saw an R movie before I did, and there were less than a handful that they let me see as a child. My father also made sure that you were 17 if you tried to see an R movie. Responsible theatre managers and responsible parents…

Batman is NOT a “kids movie PERIOD”. Even the original comics were dark for the times- Batman once shot a man dead, you know. Like everything else it evolves over time and adapts into the new era. And it is up to parents to control what their kids see as much as possible, and then to have realistic discussions about it. It is also the responsibility of controlling their kids’ actions in public venues such as a theatre.

[As a side note, "disseration" (sic.) from Eze's post should be read as dissertation, and I would not be surprised if he remains "working on" it for a very long time, just judging by his consistent use of homophones and obvious lack of formal education...]

For the people saying that if you don’t like the children screaming, wait for the DVD- well, you obviously need to face a couple facts yourself. One: no matter how good your home theatre system is (unless you are George Lucas) it is a vastly inferior one than a cinema. Two: we shouldn’t be coddling to the whims of mannerless children when we attend a movie for the more adult audience.

I do not mean to imply in any of this that all children are to blame, but the bad ones are common enough (even if still a minority) and rotten enough to spoil the whole experience for those of us who really love film. And some parents ARE responsible with their children. To those, I say, thank you; we need more like you.

Thank you to everyone who reads this entire post.

John

I do believe some people who left comments can’t even read. I won’t even go into Eze’s spelling or grammar…All of this grief you’re giving this poor woman is ridiculous! I believe she did say, “small children, babies crying, kids kicking the back of your seat, children asking the parents questions, etc” Some of you “posters” railed about how mom and dad should have the right to take their 10 and 12 year olds to this movie. WELL, if your 10 and 12 year olds are indulging in the mentioned behavior, you’ve got bigger troubles on your hands!

I agree with her sentiment VERY much. I’ve been to more than one movie, most recently Lions For Lambs, where children whose tastes run more to The Wiggles were being wildly disruptive. I am a parent, though my kids are practically grown now, so I can sympathize with younger parents who are dying to see the hot new movie. I remember lots of times that we calculated the cost of the tickets, and the baby sitter and opted to wait till grandma could watch the kids or wait for the rental. Part of being a parent is looking at the big picture and realizing you’re no longer the center of the universe. Unfortunately lots of today’s parents missed that very important developmental milestone.

I just saw the movie, and am torn on the issue. There are peole on both sides of the thread who make valid points. I agree that statements like “It is a comic book movie after all” are a little off, (”Sin City” “Road to Perdition” and “A History of Violence” are all comic book movies and are by no means for children), and this is definitely not a movie for kids, but I also agree that this is America, and that parents have a right to take their kids to a movie. I know there are some really passionate comic fans who are going to say that the “Dark Knight” and Batman as a whole were not meant for children, but you have to understand that it is a character that has been featured in , comics, and toys marketed at children. It’s just common sense that kids are going to want to see the movie.

Also, acouple of months ago I took my girlfriend to see the new Indiana Jones at a nice theater in a trendy neighborhood. Big mistake. And it wasnt kids who were being rude, it was all these hipster kids in their late 20’s who spent the entire movie talking loudly and mocking parts of the movie they thought were cheesy. So people need to calm down when they talk about annoying little kids, because it’s not kids, but idiots in general ruing the movie.

Loved reading all the posts from selfish parents on this page. Yeah, I am talking to you, the parents who defended taking your kids to see this movie because Batman is a “kids movie.” How about you be honest with yourselves? You could have cared less about the enjoyment of your children. You either couldn’t find or didn’t WANT to find a babysistter but desperately needed to see this movie and to help yourselves sleep at night, you call is a “kids movie.”

Get real… Some of the kids I saw in my theater had no business watching the Joker slice people up with his knives and various other collection of weapons. Then we wonder why some kids today end up the way they do… Selfish parents, thats how…

I pay 10 bucks to see a movie and I have to suffer through it with loud and obnoxious children who have no idea what is going on and are only there because mommy and daddy can’t miss the movie? Well sorry, you decided to have kids, you need to decide to sacrifice out of respect for the rest of us. Either get a babysitter or wait for the DVD so the rest of us, those who do not have kids or have enough sense to find a sitter, can enjoy the movie in peace.

How laughable that anyone can sit here and make excuses for taking kids to a graphically violent movie like this. We need more parents like mine in this world and not the selfish ones I see on this page.

More to the point, how about texting during the movie? Kids I can handle, but I kid you not (pun intended), when I saw “DK” Friday night, this man was texting throughout the movie. Every 5 minutes or so the theater would light up from the glow of his Crackberry. My question is:

WHY EVEN BOTHER going to the theater, if all you’re going to do is text? Was he giving a play by play to a friend who could not attend? Was he supposed to be at an important meeting, but chose to see “DK” instead, and decided to “work” from the theatre? Alas, I was not able to find out as he was 8 rows ahead of me.

And to do it at an event film like this one, I just have to sit back and shake my head…Bring the kids, just make sure they behave, but leave the phone off.

I am a manager at a movie theatre and our biggest complaint are children in theatres. I agree with the thread of ” hire a babysitter.” I wish we could enforce the 13 part of Pg13 movies. I myself see movies at age restricted theatres. I believe this was the best invention. I think more theatres should use this approach.

What article are you sensitive people reading? I am reading the complaint about BAD behaving kids. Not just kids.

I agree. Anyone adult or child should have courtesy for everyone else to see the same movie that they paid for without disruption.

THAT is what she is saying!!!! Reread it……

And parents are supposed to feed their children vegetables…..yikes!!!! Some of you are scary!

I have to say something here. I have a 4 year old son and he LOVES Batman and I had my hesitations when it came to bringing him to the movie and I asked him if he thought the joker was scary, and he said…”No mommy…the joker is not real.” I knew he was ready to see it. I have to say I was really surprised at the movie. There was no swearing that I knew of and there wasn’t a ton of blood…He thought it was funny and he didn’t get scared at all. So, I think it’s up to each parent to decide if certain movies are appropriate for their children…It’s not for anyone else to decide.

Children have one thing that if taken away they will never get back. Their innocence. Don’t be the person that takes it away from them by letting them watch this movie.

The very first movie that I ever saw was “The Exorcist”. I was 4 or 5 years old. A few years later at age 7 or 8, my mother took me to see Stephen King’s “Carrie”. I remember after both movies being scared and not being able to sleep for a night or two. But I got over it and it was the start of my lifelong love of horror movies!

Parents back then (in the early 70’s) just weren’t as concerned or aware of movie ratings. All my friends saw the R-rated horror movies just as I did and nobody thought anything of it.

Today, people are shocked if you say you took a child to see a horror movie, but I think it all depends on the child. I have a 6-year old niece who loves to watch horror movies on DVD with me (with her mother’s permission). Her favorite is the Chucky series of movies with the killer Chucky-doll. She understands that it is make believe and she loves to be scared, just as I did as a child. However, I have 12 and 13 year old nieces who hate those kind of movies and wouldn’t sleep for a month if they were forced to watch it!

It all just depends on the child what is or is not age appropriate. Only the parents can make that decision. Parents should not take their children to the movies unless they are sure the child can handle the subject-matter of the movie and behave appropriately in the theater. That again depends on the child. I know 4-year olds who can go to a movie theater and nobody would even know they are there. I also know 12 year olds who would be holy terrors and disrupt the whole theater. It all depends on the child.

Wow. Some moron just wrote that BATMAN is a kids movie. What a mentally challenged statement. I don’t even think that’s true for the comic books…Have you read comic books lately? They’re just as risque as TV has become….

These movies are not meant to be kids movies. By nature of the subject, of course kids will want to go. But these were designed as Batman movies for ADULTS. Read the press about them.That’s the appeal. Edgier, darker, scarier superhero movies. What better character to do DARK and SCARY than BATMAN?

Get a clue. This movie is not for kids. I have a 6 yr old and a 2 1/2 year old and I try to make sure they’re watch appropriate movies. Ok call me a hypocrite because my 6 yr old son watches hockey with me where guys fight. It’s a little different.

And though I have kids, I CAN’T STAND when people take their little kids to movies they shouldn’t be at. I remember going to see Halloween H20 (sucked) and some family showed up….Parents, maybe a 7 year old, 5 year old and a baby! At a 9 or 10pm showing!

It’s not about “hating kids”…Its about them being obnoxious, disturbing my experience and the fact that they should be in bed! And certainly not watching a movie about a scary guy in a mask who plunges knives into people to kill them. Or scary clown killer people. Jesus! Some people are so clueless.

Prior to Dark Knight starting (at 8pm), an employee stood at the front of the theater reminding us to silence our phones and take the crying or talking kids out of the theater. As soon as the movie started, the babies started crying and the toddlers started talking. I was more upset about the parents bringing their 3-5 year olds to the theaters because they are too young to see the movie than the noise they made. As a mother of 5 and 2 year olds, I couldn’t imagine my children watching Dark Knight. They would definitely have nightmares. The content, violence and disturbing images (the makeup artists deserve an award!) are not appropriate for babies to preschoolers. I am afraid these are the kids who are on the streets and in gangs and at a very young age. These are the kids who are extremely violent at a young age. These are the children playing with the guns at home. I left the theater so angry at these parents for their lack of good judgement. Parents, please think about your child’s age and how the movie will effect them prior to taking them to the movie. Think about your children and not just yourself!!!

Lighten up! I had nightmares when I saw the musical “Scrooge” as a kid! In the gym at my school!! I embrace and enjoy the movie now. Take your 11 year old to “The Dark Night” and see what happens!! Boo!!!!

wow, this is great. This topic has bothered me for years. When I became a parent everything changed, my lifestyle, my attitudes and my awareness of other parents. When I go to see a film that is going to scare the bg’s out of me I most certainly would not want to do the same to my child. When I see small kids (3 to 12 years) in a “Black Knight” or “Blade” or any other blood and guts film, I can’t stop thinking that this poor kid is scared to death! And generally it ruins the film for me as I am more concerned about that kid. But what can you do? Its like kids not in car seats, sure they are ok now but just wait. I find these parents (and I use that term loosely) who bring the kids to these types of films don’t know any better and never will. Its really up to the rating system and the theaters to screen the kids totally out of the movies ie. no one under 13! but the studio’s wound not make any money. Anytime money is involved morals and commonsense go right out the exit door.

What I think is interesting is how people defend the ratings, saying things like “It’s PG-13 so kids of 13 are allowed to see it.” Nevermind that the ratings system is extremely flexible, and is controlled by a self-governed group, and that in recent years we’ve gone from no F-bombs in PG-13 to one or two in each. And nevermind that PG-13 has gotten raunchier with sex and innuendos just in the short years it’s been since I was in high school myself (and it was bad then). Look at TV for crying out loud! For the past two seasons the big story has been on TV pushing the limits with sex.

Ratings are a joke, and someone else controls them. I’m not deciding what my kids are exposed to be based on someone else’s warped and inconsistent system.

“Since The Dark Knight has been advertised on every cartoon channel my 6 year old watches, I WILL be taking him to see the movie. I’d hope most parents take their kids to daytime movies to avoid the adult scene at night but dont blame the parents, blame the advertising and the laws of the rated movies.”

Oh my goodness. The logic behind this comment has baffled me.

Are you suggesting that “the system has failed” because you made your decision based on advertising on Cartoon Network?

I am reminded of The Daily Show’s crack about video games:
“And as I sit, watching them play these violent games, I can’t help but wonder where the system has failed.”

Only you are to blame if you choose a movie that is inappropriate for your children. Don’t blame the ads or the ratings system. Accept the responsibility for your actions as a parent.

This comment is for Mark from Ohio.

Mark, the operative word in your post is “should”. Yes, children SHOULD behave. And, if yours do, congratulations, you are a responsible parent.

What would you suggest in the all-too-frequent case of children that don’t behave?

I, myself, don’t much care for children. That’s why I don’t have any. I tried to see “Speed Racer”. I went to a 9:30 show on a weeknight only to have my experience ruined because some parent was too selfish to get a babysitter for their four or five-year old who spent much of the time shouting at the screen. That and the other couple who brought their two-year old who had periodic tantrums.

What should I have done in that case? Why should I be denied the pleasure of seeing a movie on the big screen just because other people are not responsible parents and are selfish? Why shouldn’t they have to wait for the movie on DVD? Hmmm?

my husband and i are currently expecting our first child. yesterday we went to see the ‘dark knight’. we were both very excited to see the film. unfortunately, seated directly in front of us was a couple with their two children. one was about 8-9 and the other was 3-4. the younger child was acting up during the previews, and my husband and i made plans to move if it got much worse. but then the movie started, and he seemed to calm down. until about 10 minutes into the movie when he began to cry. the kid was scared out of his mind at the movie. begging his mom and dad to leave. they didn’t….and they stayed for the entire movie. my husband and i saw the movie with a crying soundtrack added to it.
say what you want about parents being able to do what they want when it comes to movies…..but come on. that movie was not for a 3 year old. i’m 30 and parts of it disturbed me. leave the little ones at home, parents. don’t be so selfish!!!!!!!!

Interesting line of remarks.

From my perspective, there are two issues here.

First, there’s the issue of being cognizant that there are other people in the world. Most of the rude behaviors noted here seem to stem from people just not realizing that those around them are not objects but people with feelings, hopes, dreams, goals, etc. Instead, they focus on themselves and whatever “need” they have at the moment. They have no problem with wasting other people’s time, money, experience, or enjoyment as long as they get what they want. After all, they fail to perceive that other people exist other than in the very concrete way they take up space. This lack of awareness of others often includes their own children.

The second point is that taking children to some movies (as well as other experiences) is child abuse. You wouldn’t take your child to a bar, an orgy, or a war zone, yet don’t think twice about doing it in the form of a movie. The brains of children are physically different from those of adults, and they can’t always tell the difference. Neglecting a child by taking them to an inappropriate movie instead of ensuring they have a safe and secure environment that is appropriate to their needs is still child abuse.

Finally, for all those saying “it’s a comic book,” please shut up and go to a store that sells them and educate yourself. Comic books have as much variety in content as any other media on the market today. If someone said “it’s based on something found on the internet,” would you assume it was child safe? Probably not. Comics today can have as much profanity, nudity, and violence as any NC-17 film, or as little as any G film. They can have interesting art, complex storylines, or use any other literary tool one might find in fine literature, or be as simple as a reading primer. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” That’s never been as true as it is today with comic books.

If you think taking kids (meaning any one under 13 years) to see “The Dark Knight” was bad, we went to see “Sin City” and was appalled to find out that about 10 seconds after the opening scene, the couple and their child had to leave because it was too violent for the child. Have no idea how old the child was, but clearly, they should not have been there! I guess the movie ratings mean nothing to some parents!

I just went and saw this movie yesterday and my problem was behavior in general. I don’t care if you are 13 or 43 if you are kicking the seat, talking or being rude it is uncalled for behavior. I don’t think that a child under the age of 13 should see this movie and I don’t think that an adult under the maturity age of 13 should be allowed at the movies at all. Please keep in mind that we have all paid for enjoy this entertainment and should be allowed to do so without loud noises or conversations, your seat being kicked and NO CELL PHONE CONVERSATIONS!!!!

Do you honestly believe that Batman/The Dark Knight in this context, is a kids movie? So, if I animate it and make toys, that makes it kid friendly?

I forgot how appropriate South Park is for small children.

Can’t wait to buy “Murderous Joker with pencil-through-the-eye-action” action figure that my small child so desperately wants……

If there was a single drop of blood in the Dark Knight, it would have been rated R. The image of Harvey Dent when he becomes Two-Face is enough to frighten and potentially mentally scar children. Please do not take anyone less than 13 to this movie, doing so makes you a bad parent.

My Goodness~~

This is to Chris…Are you suggesting that since I took my child who is under the age of 13 I have done scarred my child??? That is a ridiculous statement. You think that there is a large difference between the age of 12 and the age of 13 when it comes to maturity?

People need to lighten up, I have been watching scary movies since I was 5 year old and guess what….I have not had an urge to go kill anyone nor am I mentally scarred.

It’s a parents right to know what is best for their own child. I agree if you have a child who is scared and crying in the movie then leave, but if a child, like mine sits quietly through the movie and enjoys it without being scarred or scared, then mind your own business..

Have a fantastic day

BOO

Babies and toddlers under 4 shouldn’t even be PERMITTED in theatres. They don’t have the capacity to understand or appreciated anything they see, and you can’t possibly expect them to be able to sit still with no sound for two hours – they don’t belong in a movie theater anymore than they belong in a night club.

The argument that those who are offended by having spent their hard-earned money wasted and their theatre experience ruined by whining, screeching, crying babies or toddlers or by children whom the parents either can’t or are too lazy to bother to control should be the ones who wait until the movie comes out on DVD to watch it at home is utterly ridiculous.

It is the parents, who, by the way, nobody forced into breeding, who are the ones who need to adjust their lifestyle – they’re the ones who had the children – they’re the ones who are responsible for making sure neither they nor their children infringe on other people’s enjoyment of public venues.

Babies and toddlers NEVER belong in a theatre – if you can’t find or afford a babysitter, then you’ll just have to miss the theatre experience. YOU’RE the one who had the child, YOU’RE the one who has to make adjustments because of it.

As for children over 5 years of age, if you are sure your child will sit quietly through the entire length of the film without talking like they’re at home, without screaming, whining or running up and down the aisles, who can behave and treat others with respect and courtesy, then it won’t bother anyone if you bring them. I doubt parents who instill such behavior and values in their children would be irresponsible enough to bring them to a late showing anyway.

The bottom line is this:In a public venue like a theater each person has the responsibility of being considerate of their fellow film-goers experience. That means turning of cell-phones, not talking to one another in at the same volume and with the same frequency you would at home watching TV, not getting up from your seat 10 times in 2 hours, not running up and down the aisles, not whining, screaming, shreiking – whether your 6, 16 or 56. The point of the original blog was NOT to say that rude and offensive behavior is any more acceptable from adults. The point of the story is specifically about bringing CHILDREN to the theatre. The article’s focus is CHILDREN in this situation….not adults, not mules, not ferrets – CHILDREN.

If you can’t (or won’t) control your kid, don’t bring him or her to the theatre. If you do bring one to the theatre and they start behaving in any way that another viewer might find annoying or distracting, then you’ll just have to forfeit your good time and leave the theatre with the child. Again, you’re the parent, so it falls on you to make the adjustments.

In all fairness, the adults don’t pay any attention to the “Don’t add your own soundtrack” and “Please turn off your phones” slides.

Why would anyone expect the kids’, or their parents, to behave otherwise?

Everyone wants to behave like the theater is their own living room.

I believe that unless you’re a doctor or an emergency worker on call, you should surrender your phone as you enter.

Then again, if you’re on call, you shouldn’t be in a theater anyway…

Oh yeah, for those that comment that “parents have a right to take their kids to the movies”, how about this: I also have a right to go to the movies, and not be disturbed by obnoxious children.

Bottom line: If your kids are well behaved – more power to you!

I don’t have children and don’t want them. I don’t enjoy watching movies ore dining out with screaming, misbehaved children. If a child is in attendance, then like me, they should behave. If I turn around and ask your child to be quiet or stop kicking my chair (regardless) of age, you should oblige. Parents do have the right to take their children to movies and high end dining establishment however, I will be the first person to point out your misbehaved child to you and to an usher/manager. I have no problems embarrassing others for the mismanagment of their children. It is pathetic that people cannot control their children. Yes you can have fun at the movie,or wherever, but the point is to WATCH the movie, not scream, cry or ask questions. In all honestly I don’t care how old you are, you should remain quiet and courteous in a movie.

As to those that say they can’t afford the baby sitter, well I don’t feel sorry for you. You chose to procreate (if you didn’t, its 2008 – there are ways of avoiding it). If you have children that cannot behave in public, then you also chose to be a poor parent. Therefore if you want a night out on the town – a fancy Denny’s excursion and a matinee will have to do – especially if you want to go sans the children.

I’ve been in a movie theatre and have heard a baby wake up crying. LOUDLY.

You endure (the rest of) the movie and as soon as the show is over, you ask for your money back from the Manager.

It’s pretty easy. More people should do it.

I have to add my two cents. I brought my 10 year old and his friend, who is 11. They both behaved great and enjoyed the movie. However, the same could not be said for the adult man next to me who felt it necessary to whip out his cell phone and check messages every 1/2 hour. The bright light from the screen was very annoying.

This is a huge issue in our country. This may not seem important, but obviously it is. Look at all the responses this topic is receiving. I have to say I can’t stand when anyone is loud and disruptive in theaters. Anyone who knows they will cause a disturbance should just stay home. Why come to movie you paid good money to see and act rude? It doesn’t make any sense to me. You are wasting your money and wasting the money of everyone else in the theater. This never makes any sense to me. I see people have full blown conversations with each other in the movie. The whole time talking to each other as if they were at home. I want to go to the theater to get the full movie going experience and I love it when I can get that. Lately it seems no one cares about anything or anyone other then themselves. Why have our values gone so low? I understand people have ADD and other diseases that may affect the way they are, but if you know you are like that then maybe you should wait for the DVD, so you don’t ruin it for other people. I don’t know about people anymore. It really scares me.

I had two 20 something year old girls behind me blabbing throughout The Dark Knight. They were kind enough to bring a pair of 5 year old children to the movie as well. The children were poorly behaved, the material too violent for them, and the plot line revolved around adult themes. I don’t have a problem with 10 or 11 year old children in a PG-13 film, but these kids were too young. Their parents were selfish brats for bringing them.

Amen! Thank you for writing this! There really does seem to be an epidemic of people bringing their babies and small children to the movies lately. And god forbid that I – a paying customer – ask the parents to do something about Little Pweshus’s behavior!

Last year I went to see “Knocked Up” with a group of friends, and in front of us were 2 idiots who had brought a toddler with them. Now just because “Knocked Up” is about pregnancy does NOT mean it’s an appropriate movie for 2-year-olds! It was full of sexual content and bad language. The toddler was restless and babbling and even spilled a huge cup of soda and ice on the floor. What are parents thinking?

Then there was the time I went to see “Lord of the Rings” and some lady brought her 3-year-old AND her baby! The baby would not stop crying, so she paced up and down the aisle with this screaming kid! About 3/4 of the way though, I got up and complained to the employees, who made her leave the theater, but not before she yelled “F*** YOU!” at me, in front of her kids!

And there’s the couple who brought their baby to see “Bourne Supremacy” and it cried so much that they left halfway through…but at least they left!

Parents, if your kid is under, say, 8 years old, DON’T bring them to a PG-13 or R-rated movie! And if you can’t afford a babysitter, then you probably should not be blowing all your money on movie tickets for you and your entire family!

Eze (and others) – you’re missing the point. The point is kids do not always have good movie etiquette (or good manners, or good raising) and they end up ruining the experience for everyone else who goes. Not everyone wants to watch a serious movie with babies crying and kids talking and kicking their seat the whole time. Just because you live like that doesn’t mean the rest of us should have to. Kids are more than welcome if they behave themselves and don’t act like they are at the park (or in a zoo). Take responsibility for your kids and tell them to shut up and watch the movie. If THEY can’t act responsibly, then THEY need to stay home and wait for the DVD.

I am the mother of a 17-year-old. I made her be 17 before she could watch R rated movies. That puts me in the minority of parents. I also teach high school so I know that many kids see R rated movies before they’re ten. Most often, these are the students without any boundaries, have trouble turning in homework, are falling in sleep in class because they went to bed too late, don’t have parents checking up on their homework or helping them study, and generally have a large apathy towards life. When I ask some of of these kids what gets them excited (expecting to hear about sports, music, singing, clubs, anything), they shrug their heads and say “nothing” or mention a video game.

I saw the Dark Knight and do not think it is appropriate for a ten year old or really anybody under 13. It is dark, twisted, and very negative. Yes I appreciated the special effects, marveled at the acting and special effects, but I think that this type of darkness should not be seen by young people, esp. those under 13.

As far as the movie theaters, some people still think it is their living room because they buy the current release bootleg movie from some guy in the back of his car for $5. Some people really don’t understand movie etiquette.

As a teacher with limited income, it really does anger me when I do spend my hard earned money and hear the whining kid at what should be an adult movie.

Leave your kids at home. That’s what babysitting is for. Don’t subject other people to annoyance. Eze, you must of been one of the idiot kids whose parents brought you to an R rated movie and annoyed everyone around you. You’re still annoying. Stay home.

Richards comment was classic and made me laugh out loud. Loved it

Doesn’t surprise me. I went to see an advanced screening of Pineapple Express last Thursday. I watched one woman come in with an infant, another couple come in with two kids around six or so. Then a third family come in with several young children one of which couldn’t have been no older than two.

Keep in mind Pineapple Express is an R rated movie.

I used to go to movies at least two or three times a month, now its two or three times a year. It’s just not worth it anymore.

WOW!! You can tell by the response how many folks are affected by this topic. Don’t even get me started on bad behavior of the parents, let alone the kids. Anti-social behavior knows no ethnic, social or financial limits. A sense of self-entitlement can be found anywhere.

Who’s ever been cussed out , called a ‘&-itch” and hissed at by mothers of toddlers at an “R” movie, when asking politely if their children would remain in their seats during the film? Yeah, it was a unfortunate start to a great film………………………

I have a 5 year old son, and he absolutely loves batman. I am proud to say that I did take my son to see the movie “dark knight” and he had very wonderful movie theatre etiquette. I do think that movies are rated for a reason but, there are certain PG13 movies I will allow him to see and some I will not allow him to see. This certainly does not make you a bad parent. I don’t agree with bringing an infant to the movies, but sometimes it’s fun to take your on to a super hero movie.
THey are goign to see worse things then that on cartoon network so, I woudl rather make a fun night of it.

Just a little grammatical help here. If you’re (you are) going to write intelligently on this or any other site, please use your (possessive pronoun) grammar properly.

You’re is the contraction for you are

Your is a possessive pronoun

Hope it helps.

As a developmental specialist who works with very young children impacted by parental violence, drug abuse and homelessness, it continues to appall me that ANYONE with even a thimble-full of common sense would consider a movie like this to be appropriate for any child under the age of thirteen. A colleague of mine saw a FIVE YEAR OLD at a “Dark Knight” screening this weekend, crying and begging his mother to take him out of the theater (which she did not). These films are not appropriate for children — PERIOD. Exposure to these disturbing and violent images is detrimental to young children’s sense of safety and well-being. For those of you who may say that your child has seen many such films and finds them “funny” or that your child “likes to be scared”, I say: Congratulations. You’ve already started the process of de-sensitizing your child to violence, and are well on the way to eroding your child’s development of empathy and caring for others. You better enjoy your movie-going experience, because you’re doing at the expense of your child’s emotional health.

I see a lot of people arguing on here about what age is appropriate or not for a child to see a PG-13 rated movie. I am an avid movie watcher. I am only 24 years old but it seems like everyone on here who has children is missing the big picture here. Yes, this is a little bit about what the “correct” age is for a child to be able to go see a PG-13 rated movie, but everyone is letting that and relative manners overshadow the main topic. This is about what people pay for as a product and what they expect to receive as a customer. A person pays $9 or more and dedicates 2 to 3 hours of their time to this outing. The paying customer should be able to listen to the movie with little distractions, from anyone.

I heard one argument saying that if you were eating at a restaurant and say a 400 lb person is in there that you just have to deal with it. That analogy is nowhere close to this discussion (of which I feel a lot of people are using the same argument just in different ways). I will elaborate. At a restaurant you pay for a meal and a table to sit at and some decent service. You are not paying for the privilege of looking around the restaurant and seeing something specific (such as a movie). If there is a 400 lb person that “disgusts” you then guess what, you have the very real option of not looking at said 400 lb individual, asking to be seated somewhere else (though a bit extreme), or getting up and leaving with your food (still getting 90% of what you paid for). At the movie theater everyone is paying for the same exact service, which is only shown on one giant screen for everyone to see and hear AT THE SAME TIME. A paying customer who has gone to see The Dark Knight does not have ANY option when it comes to a crying infant, a toddler asking too many questions, a young child running around or crying, or even the adult who thinks they own the place.

Sure you may say, “They can just get up and move”, but the theater is only so big and everyone can hear everyone pretty much no matter where one sits. That might work for the “getting you chair kicked” routine but beyond that it is not very helpful, as someone else will sit there and have to deal with the same problem. You might also say “Complain to management”, but again as stated in some of the earlier posts, children do not understand those concepts quite yet and will continue to to do whatever it is they are doing. I also heard the argument “Your just being selfish”. I ask you this, is it not more selfish to bring a disruptive child (or several) to a packed theater and EXPECT everyone to put up with their screams, crying, questions, or whatever else it is. EVERYONE in that place has paid the same amount of money that you have, what gives you the right to be able to make as much noise as you want and make other paying customers just deal with it? You are after all sharing a product, and not getting your individual table and screen to watch it on as in the restaurant scenario.

Also you are a parent, you should be able to decide what is best for YOUR children and it is your sole right to decide what they can and cannot see. But as soon as that decision affects other paying customers it becomes a public issue and not just yours. I am not saying “don’t take your kids to any movie unless age appropriate”, but rather you have to take RESPONSIBILITY for your child’s actions. You are the only person that can teach them to be respectful and courteous to others. If the child is disruptive then it is your responsibility to exit the theater. Yes you may have just wasted $9 to $20 on tickets, but that is your fault, unless you want to pay for everyone else’s ticket in there since if you would stay you are ruining their experience and essentially wasting their money as well.

If your child is quiet, respectful, and listens well then go ahead and take them to the movies, that goes for adults as well. Everyone expects to have a little distraction such as some noise from a drink, a random whisper between friends and the like. What they do not expect (or deserve) is to have their movie experience ruined by someone else, no matter the age. Again with the “selfish” argument, people are saying that they have waited forever to see this movie and what not. I understand that completely as movies are a way for us to forget about our daily lives and just live in a different one for a fleeting moment, but you have to remember you are a parent, I am sure there are a lot bigger and more important things that you have sacrificed already from being a parent, and waiting another month or two until it comes out on dvd does not seem that big of a deal. The parents who bring their disruptive children to any movie are by far the most selfish individuals in that room. They end up wasting other people’s time and money so that they can “try” to enjoy the movie while trying to keep their children under control.

In closing it is a fair assumption, if not common courtesy, to keep your kids at home when going to see a movie that is not appropriate for them. Whether The Dark Knight is appropriate for your young children is ultimately up to you the parent, but do you really think a 3-8 year old can really grasp the concepts of death, torture, fear, psychological torment, panic, destruction all portrayed with in 2 to 3 hours?

Go Corey

My 17 year old son and I have been waiting a long time to see this movie. We are going tonight. I can guarantee you that if anyone, child or adult, interrupts our long awaited movie experience, I will first ask nicely that they keep quiet, or control their children. If that does not work I will get an employee to help. Then, since I will have missed however many minutes of the movie, I will demand a free pass to allow us to return at another time, at no charge, to come back and enjoy the movie. If it happens again at the second movie, I will do the same thing. I will NOT wait for a movie that my son and I have been looking forward to seeing to come out on DVD just because some people do not know how to either control their children or themselves! I work hard for my money, and movies are not cheap. Therefore I feel we deserve to enjoy the movie and not have to miss out on 1 second of The Dark Knight.

As far back as I can remember, this year alone i’ve only gone to see three movies: Wall-E (G), Prince Caspian (PG), and the Dark Knight (PG-13).

Wall-E: (one of the best movies EVER by the way! the first time I went to go see it, a girl probably about 2 1/2 years old began running up and down the stairs, murmuring something. @ first i didn’t have much of a problem with it. Then…at the CLIMAX of the movie, she begins to screech Hannah Montana’s ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ at the top of her lungs. I told her be quiet, she stumbled up a stair, began screaming and her mother turns to me and says, “You b-tch! I’m gonna sue you for everything you have!” Thankfully, the 2nd time I went to see it, no kid ruined the movie.

Prince Caspian: Very good movie ruined by an obese, talkative six-year-old and his grossly obese father and mother. The boy talked all the way throughout the whole movie. His father had brought along a PSP (WHAT?!) and was playing it, due to sheer boredom. To make matters worse, he was in one of the front rows so the majority of the theater was distracted. The mother munched on her candy bars and popcorn and slurped her soda extremely loud. People were telling them to shut up during the whole movie. My brother got up and complained to the staff, who sent two people to escort the family out the theater, but not before the six year old began crying at the top of his lungs and hurled obscenites at the two escorts and at my brother.

The Dark Knight:…Oh my God…I went to the midnight show at the theater. I was in line to get in with a few of my friends…a teenage couple who had to have been at least 17 or 18 years old got in line…..

WITH A BABY WHO COULDN’T HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A FEW MONTHS OLD!!!!!!!!!!!

The little nusiance screamed throughout the whole freaking movie…at least until my friend (who’s mother is the manager of the theater), went to the very back corner and gave a few clicks on her sidekick. A minute later, her mother showed up and kicked the couple and their infant out of the movie.

Parents: PUH-LEASE do not bring kids who cannot behave to a movie. Let other people enjoy the film and leave the kids at home with a sitter or leave them in the care of a family member. If you can’t do that, then wait until it hits the dollar movies (if you have one in your area) and use the cash saved to pay the sitter.

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I actually haven’t had a bad experience at a movie theater in a while. Probably because my wife and I are both night people and tend to go to movies that start around 10-11pm.

I did notice a lot of kids going into The Dark Knight, which struck me as rather odd. I’m far from an overprotective prude, but as a parent, I wouldn’t be taking anybody below, well, 13, to see The Dark Knight. I know if I was a kid, that movie would have messed me up and given me no end of nightmares. The cell phone bomb crudely stitched inside of a guys stomach, the sight of two-face’s ruined half face, and Rachel Dawes getting blowed to itty bitty bits. Those aren’t images you want in a child’s mind.

to all you over-reactors out there…. nobody really cares how old your kid is or what your opinions are about who should or shouldn’t attend a PG-13 movie. short and to the point – noisy or disruptive kids (and adults) should not be allowed to attend a movie that wasn’t intended for younger kids in the first place. meaning, it makes sense that kids will be “noisy” when watching Wall-E or Toy Story. but a PG-13 Batman movie is not for kids that will lose interest and talk throughout the film or for babies who will cry (that’s okay) with parents who won’t take them out of the theater (not okay). courtesy and respect. that’s all i want when i pay my money to enjoy a movie. by the way, one idiot who missed the point entirely pointed out that PG-13 means that kids under 13 can attend with a parent. that parent still has the obligations to honor the common courtesy i mention above.

What responsible parent would bring there kid to see this movie?

Ridiculous.

At the same time I work in the entertainment business… so I can’t complain, I just want the BO to beat Titanic…

Corey,
Having raised 2 children, yes I would say that yes, I
“really t ink a 3-8 year old can really grasp the concepts of death, torture, fear, psychological torment, panic, destruction all portrayed with in 2 to 3 hours?” Since a minimal amount of years have passed since you yourself were in this age frame, I am surprised that you yourself either don’t remember having this understanding or that you only developed an understanding of these things later in life.

I agree with the article

yes, it’s up to the parent what they want to expose their child to

part of the risk of taking them to a movie theatre is that if they act up and the parent doesn’t deal with it – is that another adult just might say something.

Kids won’t learn how to behave in public unless they go out in public – but parents need to balance the training with being aware of the impact on others.

other people do not find your children as charming and engaging as you do

we do not enjoy seeing them run up and down stairs, bouncing in their seats or screaming or inciting their younger siblings to do so. thats in movies or restaurants

maybe it’s my one night out that I can afford to treat myself and my spouse and should I have it ruined by your screaming and running around kids?

so, if you chose to be a parent then be one – really be one – and don’t make everyone else be the babysitter or parent in your place

the rest of us have paid to watch a movie, not your kids

I am not a parent, so many will dismiss this opinion outright just for that reason. But if I had a kid I would NOT treat them like mentally defective people. i am amazed at how naive adults are about kids these days. With the internet, school and mall environment, does anyone honestly think kids are cocooned from anything anymore? Talking about “controversial” subjects provideds a forum for discussion and opinions, whereas censorship only allows forbidden fruit to look all the sweeter.

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