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!