So my wife and I finally went to see TTT this weekend (don’t laugh, we have a baby) and the usual audience hubbub was going on pre-movie. When the trailers came on, people pretty much shut up and when the movie came on, everybody shut up.
Which was good.
But I’m the one at fault here. Was I wrong? You be the judge:
There were 4-6 trailers for various films. One of the trailers was (pretty lame for a trailer, imo) for the film “Dumb and Dumberer.” OK, it’s going to be quick knock-off w/o the original stars in it, no big deal.
Then the trailer after that was for this laugher called “The Core.” My wife and I couldn’t believe our eyes - this movie looks so dumb, it might make “Armageddon” look like… well, “Deep Impact” (“Armageddon” was pretty bad, so I couldn’t exactly say “Citizen Kane”.)
Anyway, my faux pas was this: when the trailer for “The Core” ended, during the two seconds that they show the credits, I said, IN A REALLY LOUD VOICE:
“Now that was Dumb and Dumberer!”
The entire audience broke up. My wife had to leave for a minute or two, she was laughing so hard. Everybody calmed down by the time the movie started, so all was good (luckily, there were a few trailers after that).
If it was talking throughout the trailer, then I would say yes, as this would distract people who are trying to watch.
But for this – it was just a single comment between the trailers, and it sounds like it was very well-received by the audience, so… what’s the problem?
Nothin. I just wanted to tell my story of “how I cracked up an entire audience of movie-goers by dissin’ The Core.” Perhaps that should’ve been my thread title.
I don’t think you were wrong. I probably would have appreciated the comment, had I actually gotten to see the damn trailer for “The Core” after hearing all about it on the boards. Despite the laughter, I’m sure there were some people in the audience who rolled their eyes and made some derogatory MST3K comment about you, but you can’t please everyone, right?
I do, however, tend to view talking during the trailers as an indication of talking during the movie itself.
I’m with Monstre. Talking during the trailers is a no-no, but making witty comments between is just fine. Especially one like that, JohnT
What’s the general opinion on talking during the pre-trailer commercials? I generally discuss with my movie partner what it is that they’re advertising (because there’s never any clue until the end where they show the product), and I’ve never gotten any dirty looks.
I don’t like talking during the trailers but will put up with it; if anything, it keeps me attuned for those nearby who may need a good shushing once the feature starts.
I would have to cut folks some slack during the trailers, especially if they show some frikkin’ commercial, but during the movie, silence must prevail.
Another use for duct tape: crying infants in the movies.
I had a similar experience when I saw tTT. There was a preview for Dumb and Dumberer, then The Core, then Final Destination 2. After the trailer for Final Destination 2 finished I asked “Shouldn’t that be Final-er Destination?” I didn’t say it very loud, but I did get laughs from nearby people.
Seems like ‘The Core’ is a popular target for trailer-ridicule… each of the three times I’ve seen the trailer, at least one person has made some sardonic comment, myself included.
My view on trailer etiquette is that it’s alright to talk in hushed voices if you must, but bear in mind that some people like to watch the trailers or are waiting to see one in particular. Furthermore, I see nothing wrong with cheering making a loud comment in the five or so seconds of silence between trailers, provided you’re confident in your comedy prowess.
On a side-note: when I went to see The Ring back in October and the Two Towers trailer was shown for the first time, the audience applauded for a good fifteen seconds into the next trailer!
You should not speak at a volume high enough for people other than your companions to hear you at any time after the trailers have begun. You should especially not do this if you’re making a “joke”.
It’s impolite, silly, and unless you’re Joel Hodgson, it makes me cringe from contact embarrasment.
Agree completely. MST3K’ing with your friends = fine.
Making comments loud enough for everyone to hear (even if you think its a sure fire hit with the crowd) is just stupid. It just seems like you need attention, and that neg. trait trumps any funny joke you could yell for everyone.
Another vote for keeping your comments to yourself, no matter how hilarious. I paid to see the movie, not experience some random joker’s so-called wit, and that includes the trailers. When I want that experience, I’ll go to open mike night at the comedy club.
Plus, when I hear talking/joking during the trailers, it just makes me think that you’re gonna be talking through the movie too – not a pleasant thought.
When I was at X-Men, IIRC, an entire audience booed the trailer for Blair Witch 2. It was the biggest auditorium in one of those new 20 screen, stadium seating places, and it was very near the opening of the movie if not opening weekend itself.
(If someone wishes to point out a flaw in my chronology, fine. The point is that everyone booed.)
Well, if the trailor begs comment, I would think there was something wrong and/or brain dead with the audience if someone didn’t make some kind of remark. I don’t do it simply because the movie theatre I usually go to is the one where I work, and you never know who’s listening in.
This reminds me of when I took my mother to see xXx. I had already seen it in the employee preview, but I wanted to expose her to the explosions and hot Russian men. (That is the only reason to see that movie, right?) Well, when ole Vin D. walked in to that bedroom and that chick was dancing on the bedpost, some dude at the front of the theatre (in a sold-out showing) burst out with, “OH YEAH!” Everyone laughed and went about their movie-watching experience. I can see why this would be annoying in some movies, but in a movie with no plot, it didn’t really matter. I have no idea why I told this story. Just thought it was funny.
