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My daughter's first theater experience.

post #1 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:24pm
Thread Starter 
Maybe not a big deal to some other Chewers, but this past weekend I was able to take my 2-year old daughter (only child) to her first flick in an actual theater. It was an experiment to see if she would sit through an entire movie in this new environment. I chose Over the Hedge (she loves animals) and went to one of the many Orlando-area "dollar" theaters for the 2 reasons:

1. In the event I would have to leave mid-movie, it was an inexpensive endeavor.
2. It wouldn't be crowded at all & if she was disruptive, there would be minimal effect.

My wife brought a few snack items for her (raisins, tiny marshmallows, little pretzel sticks, her sippy cup), if she got hungry. A couple times, she stood on my lap to glance back at the crowd behind us and she made an attempt to get down on the floor and play at the end of the flick. She doesn't understand the whispering etiquette yet ("Look, Daddy! A big bear!"). But overall, it was fun and I was glad to be able to share an experience with her (other than the usual dvd) that means alot to me.

She seemed to have a great time, liked the raccoon, turtle, & skunk characters, and was pretty well behaved. I enjoyed the flick as well... course the experience was meaningful for me.

This is a big step for my wife and I because it atleast opens up the possibilty of seeing some movies in the theater without getting a babysitter. Might not mean much to the non-parents here, but it made my day on Saturday.
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post #2 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:37pm
Good story.

I have a five year old son and a two and 1/2 year old daughter. Finding Nemo was my sons first movie, and he fell asleep after the first half. He really good at all movies now. My daughter is a lot more fidgety. Took the whole family to see Lady and the Tramp in Hollywood, and she was all over the place. Crying, getting up and walking around. Not a lot of patience in that one. That was a rough time.
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post #3 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:42pm
The first movie I took my daughter to was March of the Penguins. We had to leave that one early.

But this summer I've managed to get her to three or four movies (Cars, Over the Hedge, The Wild) and she does pretty well.

Except after Cars, when she had a meltdown because she wanted to watch it again.

She'll be four in a few months.
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post #4 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:46pm
Cute story, Darkmite. I was 8 when I first went to the movies. Jurassic Park. So my kids better not want to watch something pussy!
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post #5 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ServantOfDagon
Cute story, Darkmite. I was 8 when I first went to the movies. Jurassic Park. So my kids better not want to watch something pussy!
My first movie was Beauty and the Beast, but the first movie I remember was also Jurrassic Park.
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post #6 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:50pm
My daughter's first was Shrek 2 when she was two, but she got kinda fidgety and loud so we had to leave early. Since then my wife's taken her to a few and said she was real good, but I didn't take her again until Monster House last month and she was great. She knew to whisper, and not to get out of her seat (but it was funny because she's so small if she moved at all the seat would try to retract and suck her in, so I had to keep my hand on it the entire movie).

At any rate, good to hear you're starting her off early, Darkmite.
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post #7 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:52pm
I think I was around three or four, but my first movie was...Pound Puppies.

Sigh.
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post #8 of 67
8/23/06 at 3:59pm
I think my first was the Great Mouse Dectective. The oldest I remember is Ghostbusters II.
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post #9 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Ripoll
My first movie was Beauty and the Beast, but the first movie I remember was also Jurrassic Park.
Damn if this don't make me feel old.
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post #10 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:04pm
This is definately something I'm looking forward to. My daughter's only 10 months and unless it's a blue dog or backyard moose singing along with a running time of 5 minutes or less, then she loses interest. I imagine her attention span will grow leaps and bounds over the next year + but I will be a little worried about that first visit to a movie theater (among other ventures).

I doubt I would hesitate to bail if she wasn't enjoying herself but it could also mean sweet revenge on all of those who've disrupted me at the theater over the years

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordling
Damn if this don't make me feel old.
I was going to say the same thing...
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post #11 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:19pm
The first movie I took my oldest son to see was Spy Kids. He would have been about a year and a half old. He sat through the whole thing and enjoyed it. I've never had a problem with him sitting through a movie. Of course I doped his snacks, but that isn't the point.
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post #12 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:24pm
The first movies I remember going to see in a theater....

My mother took me to see Bonnie & Clyde and Rosemary's Baby. I was about 4 or 5 years old at the time.

Say what you will...I love movies today!!!
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post #13 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Napoleon14
The first movies I remember going to see in a theater....

My mother took me to see Bonnie & Clyde and Rosemary's Baby. I was about 4 or 5 years old at the time.

Say what you will...I love movies today!!!

Thanks for that post. Makes me feel a lot better (younger) saying my first was Popeye.
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post #14 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sherman Davies
Thanks for that post. Makes me feel a lot better (younger) saying my first was Popeye.
Your Welcome!

I've fallen and can't get up!!!!
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post #15 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:41pm
My oldest's first movie was Wallace and Gromit. He was two at the time. It was also the first time he ate M&Ms. To this day, he loves both. He's been back to the movies a couple of times, to see Curious George and Saw II and had a blast both times. We're still planning to try Over the Hedge at the dollar theater, but we haven't found time yet.
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post #16 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy Jankis
My oldest's first movie was Wallace and Gromit. He was two at the time. It was also the first time he ate M&Ms. To this day, he loves both. He's been back to the movies a couple of times, to see Curious George and Saw II and had a blast both times. We're still planning to try Over the Hedge at the dollar theater, but we haven't found time yet.
Just thought I'd point it out.
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post #17 of 67
8/23/06 at 4:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy Jankis
My oldest's first movie was Wallace and Gromit. He was two at the time. It was also the first time he ate M&Ms. To this day, he loves both. He's been back to the movies a couple of times, to see Curious George and Saw II and had a blast both times. We're still planning to try Over the Hedge at the dollar theater, but we haven't found time yet.
A blast at Saw II? Your son already has horrible taste.
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post #18 of 67
8/23/06 at 5:00pm
Thread Starter 
The first 2 movies I distinctly remember are Empire Strikes back and E.T.
My mom also drug my brother and I (with sleeping bags and snacks) to the drive-in for Disney double-features all the time when I was little. Fox & the Hound was a definite one. I will never forget the fight with the bear at the top of the waterfall.
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post #19 of 67
8/23/06 at 5:09pm
Taking your kids to the movies is great. Mine are old enough that we went to all of the LOTR films on opening day, and they've dragged me along to the Harry Potters too. I like it when they get excited about a series and they track the next one, planning our night out to see it. We were living in Japan for a couple of years, and the neighborhood theater seemed to have either a new or rereleased Jackie Chan movie every few months. My older daughter really looked forward to it--we'd go to the movie then hit a cheap Chinese restaurant afterwards.
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post #20 of 67
8/23/06 at 5:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammy Jankis
Saw II
What did your kid think of Cloroform Girls 2?
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post #21 of 67
8/23/06 at 5:43pm
My first cinematic memory is also Jurassic Park, specifically, the goat limb hitting the windshield. I remember tearily askiing my mother, "Where's the goat?" after that scene. Still kinda messes with me even now.
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post #22 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:10pm
The first movie I remember is The Great Mouse Detective.

When I was a few months old my parents saw E.T. at a drive-in, while I slept in the backseat. But I don't think that counts.
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post #23 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:11pm
Darkmite, it seems you made a good choice for your kid's first theater experience and kudos for starting her off early. Let me also express my jealousy that Empire and E.T. were some of your first theater experiences.

To both my knowledge and my mom's, the first movie I ever saw in a theater was The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter when I was 4. We had a nanny from Austria who was a fan of the first movie, which in restrospect sort of figures since the first movie was a German production. I still remember arguing with her on the way home that it was the first movie and not the sequel because I was young, stupid and confused. Later she showed me the first movie on vhs and I distinctly remember her singing along to the opening credits.

Later ones I can recall seeing with my mom are Star Trek VI and Jurassic Park.
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post #24 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:15pm
I think my first movie experience was either E.T. or The Dark Crystal at age 3.
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post #25 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:18pm
Wrath of Khan for me, then Return of the Jedi.
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post #26 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordling
Damn if this don't make me feel old.
God damn, same here. I am practically crying into my morning tea as i write this. I think Jurassic Park was the first film I ever went to see on acid.
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post #27 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samurai Mike
Wrath of Khan for me, then Return of the Jedi.
Same here. Those ear slugs freaked my shit out.

Other early movies I remember seeing, besides Disney flicks, were Clash of the Titans, 9 to 5, and Yor: Hunter of the Future. Belee dat!
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post #28 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by detonathor
I think I was around three or four, but my first movie was...Pound Puppies.

Sigh.
Jesus, I'd have never remembered without being prompted but I think that was my "first time" too. My most memorable childhood theatre experience was probably Gremlins 2.


This is as sincere as I get, so enjoy it: thanks for sharing, DARKMITE8.
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post #29 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:54pm
My parents hate the movie theater. They've only been with me for my first movie, since then they haven't seen any. They still can't really understand why I like film so much. Or the fact that I have more movies in my drawers than clothing.

Anyway, my first experience was late, I was about 11 or so and I saw....*sigh*....Power Rangers The Movie.
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post #30 of 67
8/23/06 at 6:59pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobblemonkey
This is as sincere as I get, so enjoy it: thanks for sharing, DARKMITE8.
Thanks.
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post #31 of 67
8/23/06 at 8:06pm
I remember going to see Care Bears: The Movie when I was maybe 4. I ran up and down the aisle and insisted on sitting in the aisle because I couldn't see very well - thank God it was a kids' film. I've been much better behaved since. My sister's first movie theatre experience was ET, and it scared the living crap out of her.

I've seen a lot of animated films in the past few years, and I secretly love how the kids react. So cute!! I can't wait to have kids, and I'll do my best to make them into good little theatre-goers.
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post #32 of 67
8/23/06 at 8:18pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharlit159
My sister's first movie theatre experience was ET, and it scared the living crap out of her.
My E.T. experience (originally in the Movies You've Walked Out On thread):

I was 5... friend's mom took us 2 kids to see E.T... the opening scene where the alien is chased thru the woods by guys w/ flashlights. You don't see the little guy, only hear his breathing and squealing sounds before his ship leaves without him. John Williams score is creepy here and the pacing & lighting frightened the shit outta me. I cried and ducked down under the seat. I didn't last 5-10 minutes. My friend's mom took us home... (I'm still embarrassed to this day when it comes up in conversation).

So, soon after this travesty, my mom sees E.T. with my dad... they love it and think I should give it a 2nd chance. They eventually trick me into the car, and pull up in front of the theater. I catch on & start to scream... Mom says: "Trust me..." Well, long story short= I loved the flick and wanted to see it again & again... The movie was a rollercoaster-ride for me even before I saw it!

It's a little odd that someone would force a kid to see a movie... but my mom made me face my fears and to this day I force myself to watch many a movie that should be given up on in the 1st 5 minutes... especially if I pay the evening prices... matter of pride & finances.
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post #33 of 67
8/23/06 at 8:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by benfortenberry
My first cinematic memory is also Jurassic Park, specifically, the goat limb hitting the windshield. I remember tearily askiing my mother, "Where's the goat?" after that scene. Still kinda messes with me even now.
HAHA - thanks for the laugh. My parents never cease to ridicule me about when I first saw Gremlins, and it really freaked me out (I was 5). My dad had to take me home about halfway through.

The first movie I can actually remember seeing is Last Crusade. I still remember the huge Indy banners stretching across the theater...

Quote:
Originally Posted by sharlit159
I've seen a lot of animated films in the past few years, and I secretly love how the kids react. So cute!! I can't wait to have kids, and I'll do my best to make them into good little theatre-goers.
I know what you mean! I don't have any kids, but sometimes go with a friend's younger siblings. It's pretty funny how wrapped up they get in the movies. When the action/intensity really starts up, they're more tense than a girlfriend during a horror movie.

It's also pretty cool to see kids get that wide-eye look as soon as a Jedi fires up a lightsaber. When I saw that, I couldn't help but smile....
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post #34 of 67
8/23/06 at 9:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sharlit159
I remember going to see Care Bears: The Movie when I was maybe 4....
Or shit, mebbe it was that one.

It was a cartoon in the theatre that had some beige blob swarming around, that's all I know.
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post #35 of 67
8/23/06 at 9:30pm
The first five movies I saw in the theater were:

Return of the Jedi (scared the shit out of me)
E.T.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (scared the shit out of me)
Ghostbusters (scared the ever living shit out of me)
Gremlins (scared the shit out of me)

I've been disappointed by my summers at the movies ever since.
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post #36 of 67
8/23/06 at 9:32pm
Wow, the first movie I can remember was... Jurassic Park.

I don't know why, but my main memory from that time was the guy sitting on the crapper as the outhouse fell around him.
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post #37 of 67
8/23/06 at 9:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MEEEE!
It was a cartoon in the theatre that had some beige blob swarming around, that's all I know.
Oh no. Nonono. An internet search has revealed the awful, AWFUL truth:

The first film I can recall seeing in the theatre, and quite possibly my first exposure to the world of the cinema, was My Little Pony: The Movie.

Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go put a gun in my mouth....
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post #38 of 67
8/23/06 at 11:12pm
For the record, I saw Saw for free, at a Chud screening, I believe. It was fine. I haven't seen Saw II, and neither has my 3 year old, although he did watch parts of Cemetary Man with me. (Seriously, but on DVD.)
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post #39 of 67
8/23/06 at 11:45pm
My first movie going experience was Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Needless to say, I've never wondered where my unhealthy love for large-breasted women came from. I've also had a continued fear of people with high pitched voices who talk. Just. Like. THIIIIIIIS!

I also remember seeing The Jungle Book re-release in theatres, as well as Ghostbusters II. I remember begging my mom to take me to see Batman (I was five), but she refused because it was "too violent."
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post #40 of 67
8/23/06 at 11:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by g-dude
My first movie going experience was Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Needless to say, I've never wondered where my unhealthy love for large-breasted women came from. I've also had a continued fear of people with high pitched voices who talk. Just. Like. THIIIIIIIS!

I also remember seeing The Jungle Book re-release in theatres, as well as Ghostbusters II. I remember begging my mom to take me to see Batman (I was five), but she refused because it was "too violent."
Shit... you know what? I always thought my first movie was Batman, but I clearly remember seeing Who Framed Roger Rabbit in theatres when it was released.
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post #41 of 67
8/24/06 at 12:00am
I think mine was E.T., though I also have fond memories of seeing Ice Pirates in the theater as well. That's right, Ice Pirates. Bitches.
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post #42 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:12am
My first theatrical movie was Back to the Future III, which I saw with my older brothers. I was completely blown away by the experience.
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post #43 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:21am
My first solid memory was of course, Star Wars: ANH. I also remember from that same summer catching Smokey & the Bandit.

And for some reason I recall seeing Squirm. The image of those worms coming out of the showerhead always creeped me out.
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post #44 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nordling
Damn if this don't make me feel old.

Feel lucky instead. No one should have a first memory of Care Bears or Tim Burton's Batman. Sad.
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post #45 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Nid Hog
Taking your kids to the movies is great. Mine are old enough that we went to all of the LOTR films on opening day, and they've dragged me along to the Harry Potters too. I like it when they get excited about a series and they track the next one, planning our night out to see it. We were living in Japan for a couple of years, and the neighborhood theater seemed to have either a new or rereleased Jackie Chan movie every few months. My older daughter really looked forward to it--we'd go to the movie then hit a cheap Chinese restaurant afterwards.
They have Chinese restaurants in Japan?
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post #46 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:46am
Maybe someone can help me with this one. My first cinema experience was an animated feature involving a cat in the city running afoul of a bulldog. The bulldog was MAYBE tied in with the local pound, or had some pull there. The only scene I remember from it is the titular cat-whose name I can't remember-walking over a sidewalk vent and puffing up into a big ginger furball.

Someone help me here. Is this a well-known film? Can anyone name it for me? Because I've been trying to dredge it up out of the recesses of my mind for a coupla years now, and my family have the collective memory of a goldfish.

Man I'm gonna look dumb if this turns out to be a classic...
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post #47 of 67
8/24/06 at 4:57am
I have an awesome image of a two year old just numbly sitting there watching Saw II.

Murrow: Oliver & Company?

After Jurassic Park I saw The Lion King, which would be the last time I saw an animated feature in its original language for a long time (until my sister could read well enough to follow subtitles).
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post #48 of 67
8/24/06 at 5:02am
You have saved my brain, sir.
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post #49 of 67
8/24/06 at 5:31am
My oldest daughter's first movie was The Jungle Book 2, my youngest's was Pooh's Heffalump Movie.

My first memory of going to a movie was a drive-in double feature--Buck Rogers In The 25th Century/Star Wars, though my dad insists he took me to Star Wars in the theater a year earlier (and yeah, Star Wars did seem kinda familiar to me at the drive-in).
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post #50 of 67
8/24/06 at 5:31am
I distinctly remember watching Pinocchio in theatres...and my grandmother and I were late to that. I'm pretty sure that was the first for me...but I have no idea when it was...

Does anybody remember when they re-released Pinocchio?
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