Across the nation, movie theaters have begun implementing restrictions on children under six years old attending R-rated films after 6 PM. Let’s face it: parenting can be overwhelming. With kids demanding your attention, pricey babysitters, and the rare opportunity to enjoy a night out, finding time to catch a movie feels like a luxury. And when you finally manage to escape, the last thing you want is to encounter someone else’s children.
Fortunately, theaters are stepping up to help ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The Alamo Drafthouse, known for its strict no-texting policy, was among the first to establish this rule, and now major chains like AMC and Regal are following suit. “At Regal, we strive to deliver the best possible movie-watching experience for our guests, and we can achieve that by limiting the number of children in R-rated films,” states Regal CEO, Sarah Thompson, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
As a parent of two, I can wholeheartedly agree with this policy. Going to the movies has become a challenge once you have kids. (What isn’t challenging?) Between the demands of parenting, the mismatch of movie preferences between kids and adults, and the need to find a babysitter, it’s often easier to skip the cinema altogether. When you finally do get that elusive babysitter, you likely want to enjoy a nice meal or some drinks rather than sitting in a dark theater, unable to converse freely with your partner.
While securing a babysitter can be tough, it’s essential to plan ahead. If you really want to see a film that’s not available for streaming yet, then it’s time to make the investment in childcare. What you shouldn’t do is bring along your baby, toddler, or any child who can’t sit quietly or comprehend the film. “We’ve tried to pinpoint the age at which kids can behave appropriately in a theater setting,” explains theater manager Alex Reed. Hmm, perhaps we should raise that age to 26?
Most people seem to agree that this restriction is reasonable. Parents often find themselves equally frustrated with disruptive children, especially when they’ve spent money on a sitter to enjoy an adult film. The issue isn’t just about your own kids; it’s about respecting the experience of everyone in the theater. While concerns about “discrimination” might arise, it’s hard to imagine anyone in their right mind opposing this policy. Non-parents are likely to be grateful, and many parents will likely appreciate the boundaries as well. However, there might still be a few who think it’s okay to bring toddlers to see something like Deadpool, and this policy is designed to protect them from their own decisions, as well as the rest of us.
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In summary, the recent decision by theaters to restrict young children from attending R-rated films after 6 PM aims to create a more enjoyable experience for all moviegoers. Parents can still enjoy a night out while ensuring their children are placed in a more suitable environment.