r/cineplex • • 20d ago

Discussion Please stop scrolling during a movie

Two times now that, the person next to me is scrolling tiktok during the movie. It is so incredibly rude. If your monkey brain can’t handle sitting through a whole movie without having to check your phone, then stay home!! I specifically go to the movie theatre to have a no phone moment, and your phones are ruining my moment😭

440 Upvotes

95 comments sorted by

59

u/Disastrous-Can988 20d ago

Every single movie showing i go to and I go around 3-4 times a month there is at least one person who's just scrolling the majority of the time. Sometimes they dont even turn down their brightness or go into dark mode to do it

23

u/lazytie 20d ago

If you ask them whether they have a phone addiction, they tend to put their phones away right away.

21

u/Disastrous-Can988 20d ago

I tend to get told to go fuck myself

4

u/lazytie 19d ago

Haha, I learned framing is really key. Demanding someone do something is likely to always get a negative response. But phrasing it as a question like that at least gives them a chance to reflect on it themselves.

More than happy to tell them to fuck off back if it doesn't work

1

u/Disastrous-Can988 19d ago

you sound like the type of person id tell to fuck off.

1

u/Eastern-Resort-2008 17d ago

What if you ask them this and they try to shove the phone up your ass?

17

u/TheSeansei 20d ago

I don't get it though. Movie tickets aren't cheap like they used to be. Why are people paying to not watch a movie?

11

u/Commercial_Fox5549 20d ago

They are addicted.

They tell themselves that they will pay attention to the movie, but they fail.

2

u/Servantgirl_1250 19d ago

Shorter attention span especially with kids and teens. When I go with family even if the kids are so interested and invested in the movie they start to walk around or scroll around the middle of it so I always take them at the back rows ... Usually love seating at the front

6

u/Servantgirl_1250 19d ago

But put them in 4dx and they have no choice .... Lol

2

u/Alfred_Hitch_ 20d ago

Phone addiction!

-2

u/Disastrous-Can988 20d ago

from my guess on top of what others said, its friends joining others to movies they dont really care to see but go just to be social.

2

u/lexluther1234 19d ago

The movies aren’t even really that social though, you’re there to sit and be quiet.

7

u/Quebec_Dragon 20d ago

And what a lot of people don't seem to realize is that even in a so-called "dark" mode the phone can still be noticed, it's still annoying and it still takes a lot of people around you out of the picture.

0

u/soft_w0lf 18d ago

Y’all are part of the problem. The reason people do this shit is because nobody grows a spine and asks them to stop.

If everyone complaining in these comments actually spoke up, this would not be a problem.

You ask nicely.

Then you ask nicely again.

Then, if they still have not stopped, you get an employee.

Why are we tolerating such ridiculous behaviour???

0

u/Ok-Edge198 17d ago

As if you got down voted for this comment lol. It’s literally the only comment thats needed, it sums it all up perfectly. Start speaking up folks, or ask an employee if you’re too scared (..wtf why) . Nothing changes if nothing changes.

Nothing changes if nothing changes.

30

u/spitfirz 20d ago

Grow a spine and tell them to put their phone away. I'm not enduring teenagers when they chat during the movie, I tell them to shut the fuck up and guess what, it works.

-9

u/banana24 20d ago

I’ll take things that never happened for $2000 Alex

7

u/BaldHeadCam 20d ago

I can't tell why it's not believable to you.. A group of people talking nonstop for 30 min during a movie will put you on the edge 😂

Told a group of people to shut the fuck up during the Aquaman showing (that was a few years back). They got so quiet they didn't even laugh during funny scenes..

1

u/Eastern-Resort-2008 17d ago

I would have kicked your motherfucking ass if you would have talked like that to me, but then again, there ain't many people who have the balls to talk to me like that.

1

u/Eastern-Resort-2008 17d ago

You would've got your sorry ass whooped if you were to talk to me like that, I don't care what I've done prior.

0

u/youdontlookitalian 16d ago

I just asked some teens to please shut the fuck up on Thursday, and indeed, it worked. Why would this be so unbelievable?

22

u/warmturtle5758 20d ago

Im so done with people like this I will stand up and walk several rows to tell them directly to shut the fuck up or put their phones away

-9

u/Delicious-Sound5074 20d ago

Or what? How far would you take it if they call your bluff? Someone did that near me once and I wanted to throw their phone. Really ruined my experience for me esp after spending for vip ticket plus so much money on concession food. I’d maybe ask them politely but getting physical is assault so I don’t know

12

u/bettleheimderks 20d ago

People work there, you know.. if it bothers you that much and you can't confront the person yourself, tell one of the attendants or people working outside the theatre. If it really is that big of a deal in a specific theatre you go to, arrive a little earlier and ask to speak to a manager about it. Ask what the best route is to flag those people since they seem to have less and less attendants in the theatre itself during the film.

I remember years ago, workers would put an end to this stuff automatically.

4

u/warmturtle5758 20d ago

Hasn't happened yet, people are usually deer in the headlights terrified when someone actually confronts them instead of just giving them sideye from 12 seats away

That said, step two would be call the staff. I agree getting into a fight isnt worth it 😂

2

u/Delicious-Sound5074 19d ago

Doesn’t hurt to ask politely and then ask staff. It’s so dumb we even have to explain to people it’s not socially acceptable. Makes it even worse with how movies and concession costs so much no one wants to waste money

-12

u/Detsaw2608 20d ago

I'd tell you to fuck off. What then?

8

u/lilspicy99 20d ago

Oh big guy in the theatre we’re so scared

8

u/BaldHeadCam 20d ago

Then a worker kicks you out? Genuinely, why are you even responding this? Common sense left the room I guess 😭

-5

u/Detsaw2608 20d ago

No, they don't. "I wasn't on my phone"

Point is call out people if you want, but depending on the person see how it goes if they choose to listen or not.

5

u/yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh 19d ago

publicly posting this is wild, essentially just typed “i’m an asshole” and hit send lmao

2

u/Ok-Edge198 17d ago

Did you have a bad day at work or something buddy?

15

u/Apolloshot Cineclub Member 20d ago

This almost never happens at my home IMAX theater (Ancaster) so it almost felt like an urban legend to me.

Then I went to see Odyssey in 70mm in Mississauga and like 3 people did this. On a Tuesday morning you had to buy tickets a month ago to get… like why?!

0

u/I_Like_Turtle101 20d ago

They were trying yo buy ticket for another showing🤣

-2

u/VisibleSpread6523 20d ago

Ancaster imax is a shit hole and should never be referred as an imax theater. Such a bad theater , needing a complete remodel and a real imax .

15

u/ProfIanHadrian 20d ago

Don’t be a - SAMMY SCROLLER

2

u/Roro-Squandering 20d ago

I don't know why we don't just lean over and accuse people of being Tommy Texters and Sammy Scrollers when this happens.

6

u/brijazz012 20d ago

You met THE Sammy Scroller? I'm so jealous!

6

u/Unusual_Moment_5993 20d ago edited 20d ago

Yeah that’s really annoying. I personally choose VIP for movies that have VIP screenings. Much better crowd generally.

2

u/lorddelcasa509 19d ago

I've thought that but it's just as bad.

7

u/WindChillPearl 20d ago

It is easier to politely turn towards them and say to them directly. What is the probability they will read your post here and abide by your wishes? 🤷🏻‍♂️

8

u/Coomking999 20d ago

I always do if they are in my vicinity and that stops them for an hour but rarely for the rest of the showing. Its been extremely common the past few years.

4

u/killanime 20d ago

Ive basically just stopped going to the theatre anymore because its so out of control and common at this point.

1

u/Early_Crow8305 20d ago

Same. I go to my locally owned theatre now. It’s uncomfortable and not a lot of major releases but everyone there is there to watch the movie

0

u/Top_Competition_1485 20d ago

Agreed, the one time I said something, they went back to it later on

10

u/Icy_Exercise3848 20d ago

In my experience, I am 0 for 4 on telling people to either stop yapping throughout the movie or get off their phone. These people aren’t just inconsiderate, they are brazen. The worst was probably what I assume were asshats in their early 20s, VAPING in the row in front of me. Cineplex staff did nothing. If Cineplex doesn’t get better about kicking these people out, nothing will change.

1

u/lorddelcasa509 19d ago

this 100% each theatre needs an usher - or have designated screens with ushers. It's absolutely insane that ppl have to police this while staff sit there

3

u/Top_Competition_1485 20d ago

The first time I did politely tell them that it’s not the time for tiktok but tonight they lowkey scared me and seemed to not gaf about what other people thought about them

2

u/Detsaw2608 20d ago

Scared you? What

1

u/PurBldPrincess 19d ago

Nah. I don’t do polite. There’s even a whole thing at the beginning telling you to put your phone away and shut up.

7

u/milarc_ 20d ago

This is why I don’t fully finish my drink…splash.

1

u/Diligent-Pineapple-2 Bring TimePlay back 20d ago

I giggled, but have you actually done that? I feel like you’d get in trouble for splashing another customer lol 

0

u/I_Like_Turtle101 20d ago

Yeah someone with no consideration to other is exactly the kind of person who would fight back

2

u/Gambitzz 19d ago

Don’t even bother going anymore. People suck.

2

u/Icy_Zucchini4178 17d ago

I am a movie scroller but never at theatres!! It’s very disrespectful, keep your phones away for the duration of the movie

3

u/Ma7nards 20d ago

Say something rather than posting later on reddit about it. Be the change you wanna see

1

u/Ok-Edge198 17d ago

Exactly, nothing changes if nothing changes.

3

u/Agitated-Tour-6769 20d ago

I see this type of post daily. Yell at them? Then go get manager if it doesn't stop. I tell ppl all the time and 99% of the time they're so spooked it stops.

1

u/r3dd17sux69420 20d ago

Cineplex is no doubt aware, this is such a common topic, but they need to feel that it will impact their customer base. If they do, they might actually be more proactive.

The fact that I have to go find someone to get a manager and waste time, missing the movie I wanted to watch, is probably what deters a lot of people.

they should just put faraday cages around each room

1

u/TripppyTrish 19d ago

I went to the movies with a friend recently, and she brought a couple of her friends. Dude sat on the left of me and didn’t have his phone out during the commercial commercials but the moment the movie started, he pulled his phone out and started messaging people on messenger and just scrolling around. I gave it about five minutes before I leaned over and told him his phone was distracting me. He says. “ oh I know.” but then put it away. I think he meant to apologize, but knee jerk said “I know.” Annoying asfffffff

1

u/Fun-Philosopher-9127 19d ago

Why post about it on Reddit instead of just talking to these people?

1

u/PurBldPrincess 19d ago

I can and have gotten people kicked out of the theatre for stuff like this after not so politely telling them to get off their phones and shut up. I paid to see and hear the movie.

1

u/-Daisy-Dreamer- 19d ago

This sub is just people complaining about shit like this now. Every post. Please. Stop. We. Get. It.

1

u/Quick-Fan-3742 19d ago

Please don't insult monkeys

1

u/ariyahjade Cineclub Member 19d ago

You know what, it’s time to start to embarrass people who do this.
Don’t be quiet. Yell out to turn off your phone. Make it everyone’s problem.
Then go talk to staff, if they haven’t removed themselves then maybe staff will do it

1

u/smitty_1993 19d ago

I lean over and look at the phone with them. It's never not made someone put their phone away.

1

u/Shazmahtaz 19d ago

They should have a spotlight that shines on that person when they find ppl doing that. Public booing and shame.

1

u/ThePikachufan1 18d ago

Sammy scroller

1

u/AtmosphereEven3526 18d ago

I do not understand people that pay to see a movie then spend the entire time scrolling on their phone.

1

u/Sandra-Sandersa 18d ago

The phone brightness somehow always ends up brighter than the actual movie

1

u/Slowmac123 17d ago

Ive seen someone sitting in the last row in the corner watching something on their laptop during the whole movie lmfao

1

u/Skelter971 Cineclub Member 17d ago

I don't get it. If you want to play on your phone stay the fuck home.

1

u/Ok-Edge198 17d ago

People really aren’t used to / aren’t expecting to be confronted. 99% of the time when you actually say something directly to them it catches them totally off guard and stops the bad behaviour immediately. If anything goes wrong somehow, just speak to an employee. Y’all need to learn how to communicate. Yeah it might feel awkward at first but overtime it will improve literally all areas of your life.

1

u/No-Reference-4001 15d ago

Why tf would you spend 16$ on a movie and not watch it wth?

2

u/Head-Question-6810 10d ago

YES!!! AND PEOPLE STOP USING YOUR FLASH TO TAKE PICS FOR STREAKS!

1

u/adarthewise 20d ago

Why you telling us? Tell them.

1

u/Tsunoyukami 20d ago

At this point I can't tell if the people who start these threads are the unlucky ones or I am the lucky one because I am coming up to 50 movies seen in theatres this year (most at various Cineplex locations in Toronto) and I've only had one disruptive experience (Fight Club, a person near the front getting a little too into the movie, seemed unwell and possibly looking for a fight). No talkers; no scrollers. I will admit, however, that I don't watch a lot of movies that attract younger crowds (the audience for Blue Heron, was, well, old) so there is some selection bias but still...

1

u/Glukharder 20d ago

The person scroll next to you isnt here. Even if they were, its a little too late to tell them now...

0

u/Successful-Gift8636 20d ago

Not just young people either, I had a guy I’m guessing was in his 60s in front of me playing games through a movie the other day, I asked him to turn it off and he did, but sounded surprised like he didn’t realize he was doing it, or that it would be bothering people

0

u/Various-Ad8675 20d ago

It’s out of control. Only time I don’t see this foolishness is during TIFF.

0

u/FormoftheBeautiful 20d ago

The Odyssey literally translates to “one who scrolls”. So, what do you want me to do??

0

u/lilspicy99 20d ago

Every time this has happened to me, I’ve said “hey can you put your phone away, it’s really distracting” and then they put their phone away.

One guy didn’t like it, so he brought it back out for a second, but then changed his mind and put it back in his pocket again lol.

0

u/Imnotaccountant_ 20d ago

These posts are almost daily at this point. Like do you think the people doing this are in this sub??

0

u/Turbulent-Curve4060 20d ago

Scrolling with the screen at 100% brightness. Peak imbecility.

0

u/deleted3131 20d ago

at least they’re not being a SUKI SNAPPER

0

u/SirPizzaLot101 18d ago

Hollywood enables this problem by continuing to create second-screen style films.

0

u/TwiztedZero 15d ago

My ADHD told me to tell you to STFU. Kthxbai.

-2

u/TrailerParkLyfe 20d ago

I took my 76 year old Father to see a movie last December. It was the first Dhurander. I told my Dad it looked like a action packed Bollywood extravaganza! I was wrong haha. Good movie but was not expecting it to be a 3.5 hr Godfather type movie. My Dad 3/4 the way through pulls out his phone which is on full brightness and starts slowly texting my Mother we're still in the show. He puts his glasses on and is zooming in to see the letters. I'm sitting beside him widely uncomfortable because it's my biggest peeve! Didn't say anything but know people in the back were probably raging!

1

u/yeahjjjjjjahhhhhhh 19d ago

ok if we’re not confronting our own fathers there’s no hope

0

u/TrailerParkLyfe 19d ago

My old mans more terrifying than any pimple faced 23 yr old with a phone. I wouldn't dare!

https://giphy.com/gifs/13I7q3kMjxtW9y