Last night we went to the premiere of Disney's Cars 2. What an experience that was, and I don't mean it in a good way. Let me just say, first off, that it is disappointing to see society becoming so complacent when it comes to important issues like moral values and really, just getting your money's worth. Not me. As a matter of principle I can't and won't put up with it.
First of all, the movie theater (not the whole theater, just the room where we viewed the movie) was not air conditioned. It's a hot, muggy summer evening and you expect running A/C. They said it was broken in that room and that they were "trying to fix it." Yeah, right.
Hot and sweaty, but happily waiting to see Cars 2
The lights dimmed and the previews for upcoming movies start showing. All the children started clapping excitedly in anticipation of the main feature. Now, brace yourself. The first was a preview for a rated-R movie about a menacing vampire and all the horrific violence that it entails. My husband immediately shot up and ran full speed to see the manager who pulled the plug, but not before we were subjected to the second preview: a raunchy, slapstick comedy rated PG-13 with adult situations, language and scantily clad women. I can't even begin to tell you how upsetting this was for us. I was so angry I could chew glass. The loss of children's innocence! It's just not something that you can repair that easily. My husband came back, the lights dimmed again, and rated G and PG previews were shown. The Toy Story Hawaiian Vacation short came on. Every Disney movie opens with a short film. Then, we finally got to see the movie Cars 2, almost 45 minutes later.
As far as the movie itself, it was just okay. I hadn't seen the trailer on TV (and I normally do check reviews), so I had no idea what it would be about. If I had known a little more about it, we probably wouldn't have gone to see it at all. It played like a Bond movie, with Mater being the star in this sequel. It's a pretty good-looking movie and all, it's just that I am seeing a trend I don't particularly like in the Disney sequels. In my opinion, most are a tad bit on the dark side which I consider inappropriate for children. Too much violence, torture, mean-spirited-ness, and the word "death" is thrown around way too much for my liking. Some of these movies play out like mobster tales. Yuck. The story lines are getting too complicated for children to follow and the visuals are way too fast. There just isn't enough pacing and breathers. Disney/Pixar's John Lasseter had better get his act together and start thinking about the children that are actually watching these movies and their sequels. Otherwise, we may just forgo the whole movie theater experience and wait to rent it out from the library, if that.
Anyway, so after the movie, we had a serious talk with the very apologetic manager about those inappropriate trailers and left the theater with a full refund, three free movie passes, and two free drinks. He said that no one had complained all day. I can't believe children were actually subjected to those disgusting previews all day long prior to our showing up that evening. Unbelievable. Buyer beware and speak up. Stand up for what you know is right.
Oh yeah, Liam says he wants one of these for home.
1 comment:
You know, after watching a preview for Cars 2 the other day, I've decided that I really have no intention of taking Garrett to see it. I loved (we all loved) the Toy Story sequels, but based on the preview, Cars 2 just seems so violent -- too much like a James Bond movie, and the last time I checked, James Bond wasn't appropriate for little kids. Anyway, I'm glad you guys spoke up about your theater experience. That would have made me mad, too. I hate how fast our children are asked to grow up these days, and it's a shame that something as innocent as going to watch an animated film can be so, well, mature.
Post a Comment