My Worst Fear A Reality: Talking Out Loud and Singing During Dreamgirls!

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 9:49pm

I wanted to know if others who are musical theatre lovers and attended one of the EW Screenings had the same frustration I had; I just wanted to sit and enjoy the movie but all around me were people having conversations; laughing at people breaking into song, or singing out loud. I told the girl next to me to please be quiet, and I got a rude "whatevah".

Other than that I was so impressed and happy for the film. But wonder if others felt the same frustration.

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 9:52pm

I think that I would need to slap a bitch

[mateo]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 9:57pm

that sucks. Im one of those people who dance in my seat and occasionally mouth lyrics.. but singing and talking is just something I can not stand.


Its very hard for me to go to movies 1st week or with large audiences. I end up waiting a couple weeks or going to a late showing to avoid the talkers.

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:01pm

I was mouthing the whole time, and can understand a "sing it, girl!" here and there but:

"These song sucks (to FAMILY)"; "Ooooh he gonna hit her!!"; or my favorite..."oooh Listen, that's ma song (followed by the darn person actually singing it)!"

All those I could do without.

Updated On: 12/13/06 at 10:01 PM

[mateo]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:03pm

ohh I hate that!

-but i do hope you enjoyed the film.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:07pm

Ugh. This is why I hate going to the movies. At least if someone does this in the theater, it's socially acceptable to Shhhsh!! the person and they actually do shut up. At the movies, it's a whole different ball game. They answer their phones, have long loud phone conversations, sing along. It's just not worth the price of admission.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:08pm

Its very hard for me to go to movies 1st week or with large audiences. I end up waiting a couple weeks or going to a late showing to avoid the talkers.

I know this sounds really weird, but I always go to see movies late because I want to whole front row to myself. It's strange, I know. I like to stretch out a bit. :]

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:13pm

Well Ravi, will you be waiting weeks to see this little flick? I suggest you see the earliest matinee...

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:14pm

Another option is going to the first performance of the day, usually at around 11am. The talkers are all at home hungover in bed with their one-night stands.

ETA: You beat me to it, Marlothom.

Updated On: 12/13/06 at 10:14 PM

[chino]

Posted: 12/13/06 at 10:15pm

Well it does not happen in movies alone, anyone been inside the August Wilson? I was watching Jersey Boys and by the time "Sherry" came in, they were all singing and clapping and it gave me a shock, I never imagined that it would happen on Broadway. At that moment, I want to ask for a refund. But I cant help it, I guess it is the energy of the show and I still loved the show.

As for the movies, the movie house can be full of un-educated viewers, and they just wont shut up. I really want to see "Dreamgirls" so bad on its first day but I wont go to theatres that will have these people around me. I'd rather spend $20 to see a movie with movie goers that have the class and knows how to respect.

But, yes, last full show is the best way to go to avoid these kinds of people

[cubanpab]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 8:24am

Marlo where were you in the theater? I was in the handicapped section of the middle of the theater... when i got there the theater was so crazy that I couldnt find a seat.

The only open seat was one of the handicapped ones... thank God i was able to snatch it up... and that there werent any handicapped people around who needed it.

The three people behind me... trust me... they were worse than your people. They wouldnt stop talking the whole movie... and one guy had on the loudest squeaky shoes... and he was stomping his foot on the ground to the beat of the music...

even when Effie started singing AIATY... which was a soft powerful moment at first... he was STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK...

so i shot him a dirty look and he said "ooooh i'm soooory" and then the rest of the movie they were pretty tame.

i wonder if i saw you Marlo?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 8:45am

cubanpab, was that at the press preview or a different showing? I might just have to take in an early matinee or something.

That could be why I just don't go to the movies much...uncalled for audience participation!

Updated On: 12/14/06 at 08:45 AM

[cubanpab]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:13am

dottie it was for last nights Entertainment Weekly Free Screening... it was bad! lol...

but u know what... i have never had a movie experience like that before... so i have a feeling it was just the wrong place at the wrong time.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:20am

All the EW screenings are like that, it doesn't matter what the movie is - which is why I never go to them. I imagine the screenings next week (at least in SF, NYC and LA) will be 'better behaved' - they better be for 25 bucks a ticket!

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:28am

I hate going to the movies anymore, except for the earliest shows of the day. People have no manners and act like theatres are their own personal living rooms. Singing along with and/or talking during the movie is not appropriate in any situation. No one wants to hear it.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:36am

I usually wait for the hoopla to die down for a movie to avoid too many people around me...HATE sing along types. That ruined "What's Love Got to Do With It" for me.

In this case, waiting was not an option, so I am paying the 25 bucks to see it with an audience that, I hope, will be well behaved...I expect I'm setting myself up to be disappointed.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:39am

I just don't know why people think that everyone around them wants to hear them singing as opposed to the people with actual talent onscreen.

[Garland Grrrl]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:44am

i hate the public -- it's no secret. the problem with the early shows is the little old ladies who talk so loudly to one another -- because they are DEAF.
and why do i always sit in front of someone who has contracted a two hour case of st. vitus' dance and has to kick the back of my chair? or that certain pop-star (who i [a]shant[i] name) who came to a premier just to walk the red carpet, only to sit in the film and send backberries and texts the whole time
-- sitting right next to me -- tacky beeyotch.
you have my sympathy.

[Patronus]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 9:53am

In this case, waiting was not an option, so I am paying the 25 bucks to see it with an audience that, I hope, will be well behaved...I expect I'm setting myself up to be disappointed.

That's my hope/plan as well doodle. I'm seeing it on Friday night here in LA and I am hoping the $25 ticket price results in a very excited and enthusiastic audience, but also one that understands that this isn't "The Rocky Horror Picture Show".

[RainbowHigh2]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 10:33am

Free screenings are the best!

Where was it, The Magic Johnson theaters?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 10:34am

The Friday night showings will be insane - they will probably be a lot of fun, but you may have to go back to catch the entire movie...

[morosco]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 10:59am

I was afraid this is what seeing the movie in a theatre would be like. I'll wait for the DVD.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 11:03am

Unless you have a huge digital surround sound high definition set up - seeing DREAMGIRLS at home is definitely not going to be as exciting as seeing it on a big screen. I think its worth risking some *excited* patrons to experience the movie in a theatre.

[morosco]

Posted: 12/14/06 at 11:20am

"Unless you have a huge digital surround sound high definition set up - seeing DREAMGIRLS at home is definitely not going to be as exciting as seeing it on a big screen."

That I have.

"I think its worth risking some *excited* patrons to experience the movie in a theatre."

That I don't have. You might have a good point there.

Posted: 12/14/06 at 11:22am

Thsi is why I stopped going to free screenings-- the audience is far worse than people who actually paid to see a film. Pluse, many of the people there have NO IDEA what the movie is about or have any desire to see it.

I remember going to a prerelease screening of American Beauty where the audience never stopped laughing-- just about every serious line got ROARS. I wonder why studios even do these-- the reaction is far from that of a typical audince.