Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
03-17-16, 07:59 AM
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Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the Texas-based theater chain founded in 1997 by mechanical engineer Tim League and his wife, Karrie, was a pioneer in creating the upscale moviegoing experience with in-theater dining and beer on tap. Now it's at the forefront of a trend that quietly has been adopted by a majority of theaters nationwide: barring children under age 6 from seeing R-rated films after 6 p.m. so as to provide a better experience for adults.
Exhibitors say they enacted the policy based on a cascade of complaints from customers bothered by noisy and restless tots, or by the idea of seeing a kid watching violent or sexual content. In the latest twist, some circuits are enforcing the rule 24/7. That group includes Regal Entertainment, the largest U.S. chain. The two next-largest circuits, AMC Entertainment and Cinemark, are sticking to "No 6 After 6," as the rule is known, for now.
"At Regal, it's our job to provide the best moviegoing experience for our patrons, and we want to make sure there are minimal interruptions during R-rated movies," Regal CEO Amy Miles tells THR. "We best achieve this through controlling the number of children in these films."
The ban in essence tightens the movie ratings system, which is administered by the Motion Picture Association of America and the National Association of Theatre Owners and mandates that anyone under age 17 attending an R-rated film be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Cinema operators contend any money lost is worth keeping a majority of customers content. So far, no Hollywood studio has raised a major objection.
The genesis of the age cutoff isn't known. "We tried to determine at what age a kid can behave themselves and not blurt out the first thing in their heads," says League. Alamo, which now boasts 22 U.S. locations, doesn't allow kids under 6 into most films, R-rated or otherwise, with family movies shown on "baby day" being an exception.
NATO and the MPAA haven't taken official positions, saying it's a business decision by individual cinema owners. One such owner is Celebration! Cinema CEO John Loeks, who doubles as the new chairman of NATO's board. On Feb. 1, days before the R-rated superhero movie Deadpool opened, the Michigan-based chain extended the ban to all day, as opposed to only after 6 p.m.
Says Celebration! vp marketing Steve VanWagoner, "We went that way knowing there would probably be some pushback, but the reaction for the most part has been very positive."
Exhibitors say they enacted the policy based on a cascade of complaints from customers bothered by noisy and restless tots, or by the idea of seeing a kid watching violent or sexual content. In the latest twist, some circuits are enforcing the rule 24/7. That group includes Regal Entertainment, the largest U.S. chain. The two next-largest circuits, AMC Entertainment and Cinemark, are sticking to "No 6 After 6," as the rule is known, for now.
"At Regal, it's our job to provide the best moviegoing experience for our patrons, and we want to make sure there are minimal interruptions during R-rated movies," Regal CEO Amy Miles tells THR. "We best achieve this through controlling the number of children in these films."
The ban in essence tightens the movie ratings system, which is administered by the Motion Picture Association of America and the National Association of Theatre Owners and mandates that anyone under age 17 attending an R-rated film be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
Cinema operators contend any money lost is worth keeping a majority of customers content. So far, no Hollywood studio has raised a major objection.
The genesis of the age cutoff isn't known. "We tried to determine at what age a kid can behave themselves and not blurt out the first thing in their heads," says League. Alamo, which now boasts 22 U.S. locations, doesn't allow kids under 6 into most films, R-rated or otherwise, with family movies shown on "baby day" being an exception.
NATO and the MPAA haven't taken official positions, saying it's a business decision by individual cinema owners. One such owner is Celebration! Cinema CEO John Loeks, who doubles as the new chairman of NATO's board. On Feb. 1, days before the R-rated superhero movie Deadpool opened, the Michigan-based chain extended the ban to all day, as opposed to only after 6 p.m.
Says Celebration! vp marketing Steve VanWagoner, "We went that way knowing there would probably be some pushback, but the reaction for the most part has been very positive."
I hope this becomes a standard. I really can't stand going to a movie at night where an infant is there. I understand parents want a night out, but if you don't have a relative who can assist or can't afford a babysitter for 3 hours, then don't go to the movies.
03-17-16, 09:40 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
In my 30+ years of watching films I've only witnessed anyone under 6 at an R rated movie one time. It was the remake of Psycho (that's R right?) and it was an infant; less than 6 months I'd guess.
I've simply never seen this. Is it like a white trash/ghetto thing? Because the one time it happened to me was a very ghetto theater. But I mostly go to nice places and I've never seen this. Then again Alamo Draft House is a nice place (and pretty expensive). Do people really bring small children to such films? I felt bad that Tomorrowland was too intense for my 4 year old. I can't think of a single R rated movie I'd be OK with her watching.
On that note I did watch the 2006 film Running Scared last night. If there was ever a film a kid shouldn't see that is sure it.
I've simply never seen this. Is it like a white trash/ghetto thing? Because the one time it happened to me was a very ghetto theater. But I mostly go to nice places and I've never seen this. Then again Alamo Draft House is a nice place (and pretty expensive). Do people really bring small children to such films? I felt bad that Tomorrowland was too intense for my 4 year old. I can't think of a single R rated movie I'd be OK with her watching.
On that note I did watch the 2006 film Running Scared last night. If there was ever a film a kid shouldn't see that is sure it.
Last edited by Mabuse; 03-17-16 at 10:42 AM.
03-17-16, 10:20 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
Sounds good to me. I don't mind a kid watching an R film but considering most are dumb fucks who don't shut the fuck up. Sounds good to me.
03-17-16, 10:24 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
My local Cinemark sure isn't enforcing the "No 6 After 6" rule. I've gone to a number of evening R-rated films with toddlers and babies in them. 
03-17-16, 10:44 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
The most sickening experience I ever had was seeing young kids with their parents when I saw "The Last House on the Left" and 'The Hills Have Eyes' remakes. Both resulted in walk outs by those families, rules like this are only welcomed to me.
Last edited by Bluelitespecial; 03-17-16 at 11:05 AM.
03-17-16, 10:52 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
An ENTIRE FAMILY (infants, toddlers, kids, plus about 7 adults) came to my showing of HOSTEL back in 2007.
Mind numbing...
Mind numbing...
03-17-16, 10:57 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
03-17-16, 10:58 AM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
I'd pay extra for a ticket if they guaranteed no children would be allowed.
03-17-16, 11:02 AM
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03-17-16, 11:37 AM
#13
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
Now if they can only ban them from XXX movies, I can finally masturbate in the theater in peace.
03-17-16, 12:00 PM
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03-17-16, 12:09 PM
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03-17-16, 12:11 PM
#16
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
Because they serve alcohol at those showings. The bar is right outside the screening room. It's one of those bars built into the wall that they pull out. Either that way or they just designate an auditorium for 21+. ArcLight now lets you take your drink into any hall.
03-17-16, 12:17 PM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
I love the Cinepolis theaters by me, they usually have a few 21+ showings for major movies with waiters that will bring you food and drinks. Like a fancier Alamo Drafthouse and with big cushy recliners.
I try and do that for the big releases on opening weekend to avoid children.
I try and do that for the big releases on opening weekend to avoid children.
03-17-16, 12:21 PM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
Strangest kids-at-an-R-rated-movie I ever witnessed was the guy who brought his five and six year old son and daughter to Magnolia. Those poor kids must have been bored out of their minds. Maybe they could get into the scenes with the game show kid, but I can't imagine there was anything else to engage them during those three hours.
03-17-16, 12:54 PM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
I was horrified when dozens of parents brought children under 8 to the South Park movie. This was a fairly late showing as well. It was opening weekend and I don't think many people expected it to have so much worse language and content than the television series.
03-17-16, 01:37 PM
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03-17-16, 02:00 PM
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Re: Theater Chains Begin Banning Kids Under 6 From R-Rated Movies
The elderly can be just as obnoxious as kids in a theatre.
Only 21's to 64's should be allowed in, and phones/tablets have to be checked at the door.
That'll learn 'em!
Only 21's to 64's should be allowed in, and phones/tablets have to be checked at the door.
That'll learn 'em!