Children No Longer Allowed Into “R” Rated Movies At Some Local Theatres

March 3, 2012 12:57 PM

Movie theatre seats (Brendon Thorne/ Getty Images)

Reporting Michele Fiore

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Local, News, Syndicated Local

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Children, Classic Cinema, Michele Fiore, Movies

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CHICAGO (WBBM) – It’s an unprecedented move in the Chicago area. Starting Saturday, the Classic Cinema chain will no longer allow children under age six into “R” rated movies. This includes theatres in 13 locations and 100 screens.

“Our reaction from the public has been about 98 percent positive,” said Classic Cinemas’ marketing manager Mark Mazrimas.

An email went out to all subscribers of the family-owned, independent Classic Cinemas, which stated they would be changing their “R” rated policy, excluding all children under age six. In addition, children ages six to eleven will be subject to pay full price, adult fares.

The decision came about following the holidays when Classic Cinemas were showing “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” and parents had brought their small children to the theatre.

Mazrimas said Classic Cinemas wants to give movie-goers a distraction-free environment and young children tend to get bored with R rated films and can act-out.

“R” rated films are limited to those aged 17 and up, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Other cities for Classic Cinemas include Downers Grove, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Naperville, St. Charles, Kankakee, North Riverside, Woodstock, Carpentersville, Elk Grove Village, Freeport, and Fox Lake.

Children No Longer Allowed Into R Rated Movies At Some Local Theatres

Roberta Waker

No more six year olds in R rate movies? Wow. What about those 13 and under? They shouldn’t be watching these films either.

Tray117

Yea, but they’re making money off those other kids since they will be charging them ADULT fares. It’s all about the money.
Sad to think

I think under 17! With or without a parent, young kids and teens should not be allowed to see most R rated movies. But once they are released to video they’re going to see them anyway : ( Alas, it’s a very poor influence on most kids in todays society.

Seriously?

That is for the parents to decide.

D.S. Inglefield

The first commenter is missing the point. Pre-school age children, when they’re bored or scared by the images onscreen, will scream, cry and act out. I don’t want to hear a chattering, crying toddler when I’m in a movie that wasn’t designed for them. The same with concerts, weddings, church services, etc. If your kid is too little to appreciate whatever is happening, she/he’s not getting anything from it, and you’re diminishing the experience of all those around you by insisting on keeping him/her there.
Toonces

6 year olds don’t belong at an ‘R’ rated movie anyway. D’OH!
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[...] Children No Longer Allowed Into “R” Rated Movies At Some Local Theatres The decision came about following the holidays when Classic Cinemas were showing “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” and parents had brought their small children to the theatre. Mazrimas said Classic Cinemas wants to give movie-goers a distraction-free … Read more on CBS Local [...]
Dan Rakow

Excelent job Classic Cinemas and please keep Children away from R Rated Movies.

York in Beauitful Downtown Elmhurst is Dan’s favorite Classic Cinemas Theatre.

Heidi

it is the job of the parents to make the decision on if there child is mature enough to handle a R rated movie. You do not hear the managment company saying the will not selll candy or soda to child. Is this because they make more money on the consession. I

Judy

If they are under 6 yrs. old, they are NOT mature enough for a R rated movie. Ever.
Cyn507

Really, dumb@ss? It isnt about if they’re mature or not- which they arent. Its about them disturbing all of the other paying customers. Frankly, 6 doesnt go far enough. Our local indie theatre doesnt let any kids under 17 in after 8 pm period.
ashlynn

Seriously? Many parents are just not parenting so once again more rules are made to compensate. Young children do not need to be exposed to an R rated movie. Unfortunatly many parents these days don’t have enough common sence to realize there are rating systems in place for a reason !
Guest

I know a theater that doesnt allow anyone under 18 period.
Of course all the seats are sticky and smelly
Beth

It’s also about respect for the other people there to watch a show which is meant for adults…as perfect as we like to think our children are, they are not…when they get bored, they talk, whine, cry, not listen, etc..and most parents that bring these young kids into the theatre do nothing about it….which causes a major distraction to others.

If you want your kid to watch an R-rated show, fine that is your choice, but wait for the video.

jbsilver

Don’t get me wrong I like kids. But I don’t want to be bothered by anybody else’s child. Especially in places where I”m trying to enjoy myself that is obviously meant for ADULTS. I see people bringing them into pubs and eating establishments where liquor is being sold. I don’t understand why you can’t leave them with a baby sitter. Or a relative. I’m not impressed by your devotion I’m wondering why the heck you dragging that little kid around. So is everybody else who isn’t doing the same thing. Some of these people even have them in baby carriers. A parents responsibility in the first place is to help their children learn to be the kind of kids others wouldn’t mind caring for. There are way to many good kids movies out there to even consider taking them with you to an R rated movie.

parental view

But it’s obvious you do not have any kids. As I agree no child under 13 should be at an R moive, you are suggesting in a way parents should just not take their child out in public at all. Eating establishments may serve alcohol but it does not disclude children. Children are a part of society and you need to grow up. Children cannot act properly in public unless you take them out in public. And I’m sorry if the carriers meant to transport a child is an inconvenience to you. Try carrying one sometime. It’s not meant for you but for the child. And as for the parent taking the child. Sometimes we can’t afford babysitters, because they are not always “free”. Sometimes parents have no relatives that live in around who will just give up their time to watch your child. So guess what, the kiddo goes with. You just need to accept the fact people sometimes do not have choices. If it bothers you, you can leave that establishment.

Bree

Thanks, PV. I am the proud mother of a 5 year old girl, who knows how to behave in restaurants that do not have play areas and toys with the meals *because* I have taken her out with me. Her whole life. Even when she was small enough to be in a carrier. And yes, there have been times that I had a meal boxed before my entree even hit the table, because it was apparent to me that it was going to get worse, and not better. What we need is responsible parents, not intolerant curmudgeons.
jbsilver

My son is 35 years old. Nothing I said suggested you don’t take a child out in public, just to places meant for children. I am 60 years old. You teach children how to act at home. There should be no double standard while you’re teaching a child. I think carriers are a grand idea and from what I can tell quite comfortable for the child. If you can afford to eat out you can afford a babysitter. Most grand parents would love to care for their grand children. I’m sorry if your child’s grand parents are too busy. And parents should rally with other parents to give each other a time out. Oh you do have choices and I don’t go to places that allow people to bring their little ones in when the establishment is obviously meant for ADULTS
MC

R rated movies are not intended for children, and yes, we have choices as parents. Sometimes it takes “sacrificing” your desire to watch a movie because you have a responsabilty in your hands (your child). Yes, you can teach them how to act properly when going out but it doesn’t have to be watching an R rated movie which is what the article is about. Another option, you, as an adult have is wait for the R rated movie to be out so that you, as an adult can rented or buy as you pleased and watch without the presence of a child (another option-what when they are sleeping).
Joon

If you cant afford a baby sitter, then you sure as heck cant afford to have a child in the first place. Its a two way street. I dont mind little rugrats in the movie theatre, as long as they are well behaved, and not causing disturbance, but that is hardly ever the case. They are just being “children”. Well, parents should just be “parents”.

Bree

@DS Inglefield – Please tell me what church you go to, so I can choose another. I’m not advocating bringing a squirmy toddler to the symphony at nap or snack time, but saying a small child has no place in your church might warrant you turning up your hearing aid, or perhaps staying at home where you can have your little moment with God.
Kshaw

Children that young do not belong in a movie theater showing “R” rated movies. Especially the one mentioned here. (Said movie verges on light porn.) Not only are children six and under, not old enough to understand the subject material, said material is NOT CHILD APPROPRIATE to start with or the movie wouldn’t have an “R” rating.

As for the children making noise and disturbing other viewers, this is a problem that occurs all the time, regardless of the movie rating. Which is why many of the theaters in our area, do not allow children under six, in a theater showing a movie with a PG13 rating or higher, after 7pm.
Melissa

WOW there are lots of places I will bring my children but at R rated movie. Call me old fashioned I guess but maybe when they are 16. I encourage more theaters to get on bored and raise the age. I get that it is about distraction of paying customers but maybe it would help with parenting too., I will never forget when i went to see miracle on ice and a 6 month old was there sitting on the floor playing with his parents keys the entire time. Any idea whats on those floors.

Kshaw

No Melissa, they have no idea what’s on those floors. If they did, the wouldn’t even want to walk on them themselves and would sanitize the bottoms of their shoes after stepping out of the place. As a teenager, I worked in a theater cleaning up between flicks. We cleaned up the expected like spilled popcorn, drinks, candy, ABC gum, as well as urine, dirty diapers, semen and even feces. Needless to say, I pay close attention to where I’m walking in theaters and carry a small can of lysol with me when we go.

elysummers

Well thank you and it’s about time. I remember when the ratings system started and I had to bring ID to get into some movies. When did we start not caring; when did the almighty dollar become the most important thing.
Kurt

Thanks Ely, bring the discussion back to reality. I’m disgusted at parents who bring their young children to sexually lurid material or even violence. It’s tough enough as a dad to keep my sons away from violence, sure won’t be bringing them to their doorstep.
Dominick

They should really be focusing more on having Child Protective Services taking these poor children from their irresponsible parents. What kind of ass-headed parent takes their child to an R-rated movie anyway?
Marc

Why is this newsworthy? Kids under 17 aren’t admitted anyway!!

MarkinFL

Apparently they are when they are with a parent ( a dumb one)

Blake

So the Theater is ignoring the ‘R’ Rating to begin with??? It seems odd to allow kids to come in at the kids rate, even if they are with an adult, I think there is nothing wrong with charging an adult admission for an adult movie.

Also an ‘R’ Rating now is a lot different then it was 20 years ago. 95% of the ‘R’ movies now would have been NC-17 back then.
Fred Smith

Where else is a 6 year old going to enjoy a sex scene or somone getting their head blown off with a shotgun?

Seriuosly though I have been in theaters with parents bring kids 6 years old and younger in movies with sex and extreme violence. It’s no wonder why thier are kids sexting at youg ages or killing at a youg age. Horrible parents!!
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[...] Classic Cinema here in Chicago is banning children under age six into R-rated movies. Not even with their parents. In other news, apparently there were parents who thought it was a good idea to bring their six year old children to R-rated movies. [...]
Beth

It’s about time! I am a mom of 3 and I get annoyed when parents bring their young kids into a R rated movie… especially when I am paying $10+ to see a movie, the last thing I want to hear is a kid who is bored, whining, crying, etc..and the parents doing nothing about it in a movie that is meant for adults.

Get a sitter, or wait until it’s out on video!

GOOD JOB Classic Cinemas!!
Sara

What?! What kind of a moron needs a ban to keep from bringing a child under six to an R-rated movie? What ever happened to recognizing that some places are simply inappropriate for children, and that your desire to see a particular movie does not trump the rights of the other patrons or the well-being of your child? I swear, stories like this make me want to jump off a building.