My daughter's first theater experience.

[DARKMITE8]

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.

[Chris Allen]

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.

[Slestak]

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.

[Luca S.]

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!

[Patrick Ripoll]

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.

[JGButler]

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.

[Johan Brock]

I think I was around three or four, but my first movie was...Pound Puppies. :(

Sigh.

[Scott]

I think my first was the Great Mouse Dectective. The oldest I remember is Ghostbusters II.

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

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.

[whiskaz]

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 ;)

Damn if this don't make me feel old.

I was going to say the same thing...

[kingcujoI]

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.

[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!!!

[Sherman Davies]

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.

[Napoleon14]

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!!!!

[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.

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

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.

[whiskaz]

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.

[DARKMITE8]

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.

[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.

[Scott]

Saw II

What did your kid think of Cloroform Girls 2?

[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.

[Nine]

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.

[Mike the Fang]

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.

[moovyphreak]

I think my first movie experience was either E.T. or The Dark Crystal at age 3.

[Samurai Mike]

Wrath of Khan for me, then Return of the Jedi.

[OCallaghan]

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.

[Slestak]

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!

[AMH]

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.

[Vader]

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.

[DARKMITE8]

This is as sincere as I get, so enjoy it: thanks for sharing, DARKMITE8.
Thanks.

[sharlit159]

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.

[DARKMITE8]

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 (http://chud.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91504)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.

[WayDen]

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...

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....

[AMH]

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.

[Overlord]

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.

[Twinkie]

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.

[AMH]

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....

[Sammy Jankis]

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.)

[Greg Clark]

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."

[Jason P. Thompson]

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.

[Chris Miller]

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.

[Timo]

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.

[General Zod]

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.

[General Zod]

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.

[Randolph Carter]

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?

[Ian]

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...

[Luca S.]

I have an awesome image of a two year old just numbly sitting there watching Saw II.

Murrow: Oliver & Company (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095776/)?

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).

[Ian]

You have saved my brain, sir.

[Dax]

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).

[Jared Melton]

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?

[Death Surge]

My son is three and will have nothing to do with the theater, thanks to my brilliant in-laws. They tried to take him to his first show while babysitting him one afternoon, and told him "Now don't be afraid because it's dark in there." He made them turn around out the door, and now won't even go near the building.


My first theater experience was seeing Hitchcock's "Frenzy" at the age of 5. Explains a lot about me, really.

[stelios]

The first movie I remember watching in a theater is Friday the 13th part 2.

Let's thank negligent theater owners for letting a bunch of 7 year olds in a horror movie and cool parents for not freaking out during a week of nightmares.

[Jason P. Thompson]

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?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032910/releaseinfo

[Doug]

The first movie I remember seeing was Young Frankenstein (!). But I'm told I fell asleep during Herbie The Love Bug before that.
Taking your kids to a good movie is a fantastic experience. Better even than Snakes On A Plane. My daughter yelling "Run for it, Wallace!" during the climax of Were-Rabbit or exclaiming "Whoooa!" as the wagon rockets into the air during Over The Hedge are priceless memories.

[Alan "Nordling" Cerny]

The first movie I remember seeing was Young Frankenstein (!). But I'm told I fell asleep during Herbie The Love Bug before that.
Taking your kids to a good movie is a fantastic experience. Better even than Snakes On A Plane. My daughter yelling "Run for it, Wallace!" during the climax of Were-Rabbit or exclaiming "Whoooa!" as the wagon rockets into the air during Over The Hedge are priceless memories.

Yeah, when the movie's clicking, and the kid's into it, it's pretty great. During the Dash chase in THE INCREDIBLES my daughter and I were just laughing with glee. Pretty much through the whole movie we were, actually.

[WayDen]

The first movie I remember watching in a theater is Friday the 13th part 2.

Let's thank negligent theater owners for letting a bunch of 7 year olds in a horror movie and cool parents for not freaking out during a week of nightmares.

Nowadays there would be a lawsuit citing mental trauma to the child....

[Jcassady]

The first movie I remember seeing was E.T. at the Loews in Red Bank, N.J. It was a good time.

[Nexus-6]

I remember watching the end of Jedi through the glass of the theater door, but don't remember watching the rest of the movie. I probably thought the Ewoks were AWESOME though.

The first film I do remember watching was Raiders of the Lost Ark. I could either go watch On Golden Pond with my mom, or Raiders with my two older brothers. It was no contest. I have a feeling I was one of those kids I would love to smack today. The main thing I remember was hiding behind the seat when the ark was opened. I may have caught a glimpse of face melting too, it was horrifying.

[Jared Melton]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032910/releaseinfo

Ok, so I was 6.

Thanks Jason!

[whiskaz]

I don't really remember the first film I saw in theaters... An American Tail is probably the earliest one I can remember (which would've made me 6) but there could've been something before that.

[Ade Brooks]

OK, to show my age again (& make Nordling feel better) my first memory of going to the movies was to see Bambi, probably in 1969 or so. All I remember is bawling my eyes out when Bambi's mom buys it in the fire! I've never seen the movie since, & probably won't, because it could have the same effect on me again! I know, wuss.

Fond early memories include going to see Enter The Dragon at a drive-in in Australia. My parents used to sneak me in by making me get on the floor of the car & chucking a blanket over me! I got told off by my mom at that one though because I kept looking out the back window to get a look at The Exorcist!

First movie I remember really wanting to see was Jaws, me & my dad stood in line for hours on Boxing Day 1975 for that one. Sure was worth it though, love that movie as much now as I did then. Perhaps even more so.

[DARKMITE8]

OK, to show my age again (& make Nordling feel better) my first memory of going to the movies was to see Bambi, probably in 1969 or so. All I remember is bawling my eyes out when Bambi's mom buys it in the fire! I've never seen the movie since, & probably won't, because it could have the same effect on me again! I know, wuss.

Fond early memories include going to see Enter The Dragon at a drive-in in Australia. My parents used to sneak me in by making me get on the floor of the car & chucking a blanket over me! I got told off by my mom at that one though because I kept looking out the back window to get a look at The Exorcist!

First movie I remember really wanting to see was Jaws, me & my dad stood in line for hours on Boxing Day 1975 for that one. Sure was worth it though, love that movie as much now as I did then. Perhaps even more so.
I'm pretty sure Bambi's mom gets blown away by a hunter (there's afire later in the flick when Bambi's older, I think). Australian drive-ins have multiple screens? Cool.

I "saw" Jaws in-utero. Scared the crap outta my Mom & hearing the da-dum music in the womb must have had a pretty big effect on me because everytime I go swimming, that minor-second melody pops in my head. ;)

[Shelby]

I think the first movie that I took my daughter to was Monsters Inc. or some other equally child packed movie. I made sure it was opening weekend, when it would be wall to wall noisy children so my own child wouldn't embarrass me.

On the flip side, the first movie I remember seeing at the theater was Poltergeist.

I love my mom.

...of course...this could explain my horrible fear of clowns. And child eating trees.

[Owen]

I really have no idea what my first movie theater movie was. I just remember the Return og the Jedi was the first movie i can remember watching, period.

[Cameron Hughes]

My first movie was Turner and Hooch when I started asking my mom why the same person could be in different shows. I remember being deeply confused why Tom Hanks wasn't dressed funny like a girl. Second or third movie was Suburban Commando because when I was that age, Hulk Hogan was the coolest man alive. Of course, when the aliens started beating him up in the elevator, I started crying and screaming for them to stop.

My first movie and the dog gets shot. I had nightmares for a week.

[Mel Gibson]

It was pretty hard for me to find a theater showing "Triumph of the Will"-- we all know which money-loving bastards are keeping it from playing around the clock all over the world (wink, wink)-- but it was way worth it to make that the first movie my kids got to see on the big screen. Sure, we've got home video copies of it and a home screening room that's better than what the rest of you have in the theaters at your malls or whatever, but this is one movie that really needs to be seen with an audience.

[feather]

i can't remember which movie was the first that i actually saw in the theatre but i distinctly remember being 3 years old and having my dad take my four older brothers to see Star Wars while i had to stay at home with my mother. i think that's why i hate her so much.

when your 4 older brothers' only topic of conversation for months and months and months is the GREATEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME - when you weren't allowed to see it - it is a horribly traumatizing thing.