Daily Compliant: Ads at The Movies

Now, I am not naive enough to think that a movie will actually begin at the time posted online, but I do expect to not have to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes after that time to see the film.

Increasingly, at more than one theater group, the movie experience now includes commercials and advertising at every turn.  Here is a time line of ads at the movies:

• Entering the movies: Dots on the glass door are advertising Fandango, a little too late I might add.
• Buying tickets: There is a sign reminding me to bring my stub to the restaurant across the street for 15% off.  A brief check, and yes it’s on the back of the ticket too!
• In the concession line: The in house radio station is playing ads, talk radio style, between songs.
• In my seat: Before the previews (which are also technically ads) I have to sit through commercials for Coke, Lexus and Cell Phones.

That’s 4 and it doesn’t even accounts for the things that we have learned to filter out (previews, posters, logo covered drink cups, floor decals, mirror stickers in the restrooms and product placement).

Ladies and Gentlemen, the ads have officially eaten the movie.

What bugs you the most about going to the movies?