I present to you Dr. Wu’s secret, sure-fire list of tactics that will get you past any movie usher. The fellow is an expert. He invited people to e-mail him for his tips in this thread over at MetaFilter. And I did. It occurred to me that this sort of thing is exactly what blogs were invented for, and so I told Dr. Wu. The thing is, Dr. Wu doesn’t have any interest in starting a blog. On the other hand, Dr. Wu has an interest in spreading the gospel of sneaking into movies because movies are good and we should all go out and see some. So spread the word internet folk.
1. Study the movie listings and running times of films. (IMDB is a good source for the latter, if they’re not listed on the website of your particular multiplex.) The ideal situation is to watch one film, and then have a five- to fifteen-minute break before the next one begins. I usually write out the times/lengths on a little piece of paper that I carry in my shirt pocket:
King Kong: 2:00 -> 5:07
Brokeback: 5:20 -> 7:35
Et cetera.
If you can’t figure out the run/start times, a good rule of thumb is that multiplexes usually allot 20-25 minutes between the end of one show and the start of the next.
You just need to do the math, and experiment with permutations, to see which showtimes/cinemas work best for you. Often, I’ll try to schedule it so that the “least important” movie comes last, so that, if I feel like leaving “early,” I won’t be too sorry to have missed it. Often, though, you won’t have this luxury: you’re at the mercy of the showtimes.
One thing, though: if a film is very popular, and is playing on multiple screens in a single multiplex, this can help your scheduling immensely. If there are shows every hour instead of every two hours, there will almost certainly be a way to fit it (and other films) into the schedule.
1A. Remember that movies generally start about 10-15 minutes after the listed start time, because of all the commercials and trailers. Bigger, more current releases will usually have a greater number of previews.
2. Very important: You never want to sneak into a theater BEFORE the crew has finished cleaning up the theater from the previous showing. Sometimes they bust you when you do this — often, the theater won’t allow patrons into the theater until after they get the OK from the cleaning crew.
3. Carry your own foods. Dried fruit is a good choice, as it’s healthy, lightweight, small, and filling. Wear clothing with lots of pockets — some jerky theaters won’t permit you a backpack. (Though if you carry a purse, they won’t think twice about it.)
4. Bathroom breaks between screenings are a must. They sort of “reset” your visit. Such visits aid greatly in achieving unnoticeability.
5. The most important rule: You must look like you know what you’re doing. Don’t ever look suspicious or nervous. Just walk right into the theater into which you’re sneaking — don’t look up and down the hall or over your shoulder. Just open the door confidently, as if it’s the movie you’ve paid for.
6. If you are particularly distinctive-looking, or if you think one of the kids working the concession stand has noticed your hijinks, do one or more of the following: remove or don a jacket, a hat, a pair of glasses, etc. Minor, superficial changes of appearance have helped me, I’m pretty sure, on more than one occasion.
7. When you arrive at the cinema, take a quick survey of which films are in which theaters, if you can. It helps to know where you’ll be going next.
8. It is sometimes a good idea to leave the theater with a large mass of people — i.e., when the credits have just begun rolling, which is when most people leave. I am a credits guy, but will occasionally sacrifice this pleasure if I think it’ll help me get into the next movie. (I can read the credits on IMDB later). You can anonymize yourself by exiting with a crowd, and slip unnoticed into the next theater. Another benefit: often, there’ll be 2-3 cleaner-uppers waiting right by the theater door as people begin filing out. This means that they *won’t* be anywhere else, keeping an eye out for sneakers.
9. Remember that these kids are being paid very poorly, and personally couldn’t give a shit if you sneak into a movie or two. If it pisses off their bosses, all the better. This, I’d estimate, is true in 90% of all movie theaters. So it takes a real jerk to bust you. The odds are on your side.
10. If it comes to it, do something utterly bold, like admitting you’re sneaking in. Sometimes, your honesty or boldness will catch the ticket-taker in the right way, and they’ll be so amused that they’ll let you in. You have nothing to lose.
11. The worst that can happen if you get caught is that they’ll ask you to leave. They won’t fine you or call the cops or anything. I’ve been caught — twice. That makes my lifetime record something like 1400-2. Not bad.
I think that’s about it. Really, it’s quite easy, and the architecture of most multiplexes nearly begs you to do this — you pass other theaters on your way to the main exit! It’s just too easy.
Basically, if I could boil it down to three rules, it’d be:
1. Know your showtimes.
2. Sneak with confidence!
3. Be as unassuming as possible.
V2.0
Appeared December 29th, 2005 at 7:57Even Better.. The Fold
Come in to the movie after previews begin
Fold your ticket to make it look like its been cut.
Go to the movie you did not pay for.
Then use folded ticket again to legit movie.
Tip Dont stop walking (reduces chances of ticket being inspected)
If the Fold survives 2 showings ask for manager to give a raincheck because you got stood up by your date.
use the money on the popcorn to survive the 4 hours +.
All time record movies seen in one day (5)
Lived near cineplex it opened at 11am on summers.
More techniques . write me for more!
Great article, especially #4 about bathrooms. If anyone is tracking you (not that they would, but if they are), they’ll probably lose track when you go into the bathroom.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 19:26Doesn’t it bother anyone that this is not only illegal, but unethical? Pay the 8 bucks and let those that brought this to you get paid. Otherwise, do us all a favor and stay home.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 20:41And stop pirating music! Stop it I say!
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 20:50I’m a fucking retard!
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:31$8 a ticket. $5 for popcorn. $4 for a soda.
At those prices, if I can sneak in with my own food, I’m doing it.
I’m sure Mel Gibson won’t go broke.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:33I’ve been doing the two (sometimes three) movie sneak for close to 30 years I have never been caught. I used to do it every weekend but now maybe once a month. My wife and I did Sunday.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:33@sarkis: A ketchup packet also works. You can just flash your “ticket” and walk right through.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:35WTF movies are only costing u 8 dollars?
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:37lol did i just say that out loud?
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:39I manage a movie theater, trust me, every theater manager in America is aware of all of these techniques. They may occasionally work, but they aren’t new.
As far as “under payed kids” employees are concerned…that’s half the fun of their job, getting to kick out adults for thinking they are smarter than them.
No joke, we have just as much of a blasty kicking people out as you do sneaking in. It’s our little cat and mouse game.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:42not anymore
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:47The new theater they built in my town has a bathroom with exits on both ends(opening to a section with 5-6 screens each), thus making such sneaking a lot easier.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:50Nah, I’m just busting your balls. I sneak in to movies all the time.
My secret: if you’re going to a porn theater, wear a raincoat. You’ll look like everyone else, so they’ll never even notice you!
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:51You eight dollar guys must live in the plains of Iowa. A movie ticket can cost up to 15 bucks in any large city.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:56“I manage a movie theater, trust me, every theater manager in America is aware of all of these techniques.”
I don’t remember the last time I went to the movies and actually saw a movie theater manager. After the ticket counter and the snack bar, I rarely see any workers at all.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 21:57I was a theater manager for a few years at Regal. I would add to the advise.
If you have a chance or day off the best days are Mon-Wed. Also large theaters. Usually they only have one or two underpaid floorstaff wondering the halls. Don’t forget theater managers are underpaid as well. Some of them won’t leave their office very often during the weekday. I find the way the theater is laid out helps the sneaking.
Like the advice suggests act confident. I was always able to bust people based on their behavior. It gets easier the older you are usually we are only looking for teenagers. This isn’t old stuff It’s all social engineering.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:068 dollar movies? that’s normal here in St. Louis. student price is 7.50, i believe. 8 to 8.50 for full adult.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:07I got kicked out of a movie that i paid 8.50 after a few of the people i was with were asked to turn their cellphones off, 10 minutes later the guy came up all the way to the back and told us that we had to follow him and sit on the bench. they then proceeded to tell us that they had numerous complaints that the people in the back were making noise and that we spilled popcorn all over the floor, neither of which were true, one person came in and recognized my friend and “playfully” threw popcorn at him and then went to sit somwhere else, the loud people were the people on the other side which were also brought out, but the theater let them go back and kicked us out with no refund, and this is about 45 minutes into the movie…which sucked anyway, but this is beside the point. they should be a little more kind to paying guests.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:07$15? holy shit! movie tickets only cost $6 here in Oregon
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:11Hell, I worked at various theaters for about 10 years, from concessions to projection to management. I never had time to pay attention to people when I was doing concessions or managing, but I did while doing projection or ushering… of course, while a projectionist it was more fun to bust kids sneaking into R rated movies. Just use the walkie talkies to call in ushers. Though it was even more fun to bust people getting it on… as I would check the presentation every 10-15 min or so, i’d look through the windows at the back of the theater. Occasionally you’d see people trying to get some lovin’ and that’s why I carried a 3-cell Mag light. Saw some fun stuff too. Best one though was two teenagers in an empty (running) theater. They were really going at it, at least until I hit the button that turns ALL the lights on immediately. Fun times.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:12You forgot to mention a HUGE danger when doing this.
Inevitably, you will see some REALLY bad movies. The timing doesn’t work out some Sunday and you leave the first movie and end up seeing some rottan a** show like “Son of the Mask” or “Larry the Cable Guy.”
Everyone just be careful and don’t be afraid to ask for you money back if the second movie is that bad.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:21I’m a poor college student. I can’t afford these pricey movie tickets.
That’s what I’ll tell myself as I sneak into the next movie.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:32I’m in a theater with about 12 diff movies right now seen 7 of them paid for 1 :D
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 22:45Anyone have any tips on how to get free popcorn and drinks too?
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:05People sneak into movies with the internet available? I just download everything.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:15Freeloader – Just walk up to the counter and hand a clerk a note that says “I have a bomb, gimme free popcorn, slut” and bam free popcorn. Remember, the slut part is crucial or they’ll think you’re joking.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:15Last Sunday, I snuck in to Brokeback MTN and the manager caught me jacking off. He threatened to kick me out unless I gave him a man to boy blowjob. Next thing I know, it is grabankleridge time and I’ve got this hunky manager giving me the reach around.
Mmmm, that’s not butter on your popcorn, baby.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:29the type of movies i go to don’t allow you to sneek in but you can usually have unprotected ass-poundings
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:32Don’t theatres want you to stay for more than one movie? I mean they make most of their money off of concessions, right?
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:34stealing is wrong and so is homosexuality. god will be sure to make the gays burn in ever lasting hell fire for their repulsive behaivor.
those of you who sneek in to movies know that your actions will follow you to the very day you are standing at the gates of St. Peter.
and every one knows that blacks, jews, gays and theives are not allowed in to heaven.
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:37Doesn’t this require that there’s actually more than one decent movie playing at any given time? :/
Appeared September 6th, 2006 at 23:41I feel sorry for you all. A ticket costs $5.50 in Lexington-Fayette.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 0:03i havent done that in years. but it sure is fun :-)
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 0:16Freeloader : Free Popcorn & Drinks,
Most theaters have free refills on the super, jumbo, large sizes. If you don’t mind dumpster diving its a great way to score some free refills.
I just look for someone who just sets their bucket & drink “on” the garbage. Usually you can profile the “cleanliness” of the person dropping the goods. (women are usally cleaner than men, they wash their hands more)
Also dump the contents quickly, rinse out the cup, score a new straw and you are in biz.
Enjoy the show.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 0:28The Art of Sneaking Around Movie Theatres…
[link][more]…
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 0:36This is awesome. It’s almost as cool as how I wired my phone into my neigbours house and get free calls! And all those newspapers I can get from a dispensing box for the cost of one! Yay theft!
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 0:38For free popcorn or soda at cinemark theaters all you need to know is that they have a power to please sheet they pull out when customers are “fussy” so just be creative and enjoy!
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 1:00why are you posting such A art man?……
now everones going to fix there scheduals
and you ethical people..quite your bitching we provide balace in the universe
jusy kidding yall…LOL!!!
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 1:15i worked at a movie theater for a few years. small town, small theater, so it was really hard for people to theater hop.
but i once had a couple talking to me at the concession stand for a while, then remark that they wanted to see another movie. they looked at eachother and said “well jeez, i guess we should go buy the tickets.” then looked back at me.
i just shrugged, they bought more popcorn and gave me 5 bucks. i guess it was hush money or something.
anyway, now i go from movie to movie with little to no guilt. most theaters only get to keep about 30 percent of the box office take anyway. so buy a soda everytime you go to the movies, that keeps them in bussiness.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 1:15I’ve been movie hopping for over ten years and I’ve never been hassled for it. I don’t even try to be sneaky anymore.
I don’t think that theater employees really care too much about hoppers, they’re probably more concerned with the guy who is recording the movie while having loud phone sex next to his hibatchi grill in the back row during “Ferngully 2: Revenge of the Cute, Fuzzy Animals.”
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 1:39WHOEVER WROTE THIS IS AN AMATEUR..
THE REAL WAY TO SNEAK IN IS TO PAY NOTHING!!…
IN CHICAGO WE ARE BEGINNING TO HAVE A LOT OF THEATERS WHERE YOU CAN ENTER THE LOBBY AND BUY POPRORN OR WHATEVER AND THEN YOU GO TO WHERE THEY TAKE THE TICKETS….
IT JUST SO HAPPENS THAT WHEN YOU BUY THE BIG POPCORN IN ONE HAND AND THE SODA in the other…especially when it is busy…you can just walk on by…as they assume you have already found your seat and people are waiting for you to return with the food.and they dont want to inconvenience you since you were so nice to cough up another $30 for junk food……if in the 1 in a million chance they ask for your stub you grimace and gesticulate towards your pockets then say just say..oops I guess my wife has all of our stubs….
they will not challenge you on this…
and if you are really a cheap BASTARD you can just save a popcorn bucket AND SODA CUP and fill it at home before you come to the movie and hide it on the way in….and you can see the movies, as many as you want..for $0
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 1:47Just become friends with someone who works there, I get let in free all the time even to sold out shows because I know people who work at theaters, either that or do the old buy 2 tickets for a group of 6 and use them to revolve people in and out or even just buy one ticket and open the back door.
Also a note, the only time anyone ever checks tickets at the door at most theaters is on the newest releases and shows that are likely to be sold out, so just pay for the ticket of the new movie and just cruise into the other movies at will.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 2:12well, you can do this, or you can also do this – bit, meet torrent. either way. maybe they should stop making so many craptacular movies and just make a few really good ones. oh, and maybe the multiplex could actually be a place that you want to go to because its so cool that you’d pay for the privelege of being there, not getting raped over a $5 bag of hot air corn with teenagers that could care less if you’re there or not.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 4:05Nobody seems to have mentioned hiding in the trunk.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 6:12I work for a movie theater, so I am really getting a kick out of most of these replies. Some of you guys are very good at making it sound like you know what you are talking about. But trust me…. You don’t. I think you just want to make yourself sound smart, when in reality you don’t know what you are talking about. This is how bad info gets passed around. If you dont know about the topic….Dont make yourself sound like you do. Because some people believe anything they hear.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 6:38I don’t go to the theaters anymore. Why? Best Buy usually has the movie released within six months for $15.99 and the quality of the experience is much better at home.
I know, I’m a grumpy bastard. But sneaking into the next movie is easy work. Honestly, most of the places don’t give a rats arse.
The guy above me who posted is probably filling out his volunteer lackawanna deputy application right now. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot with that brand new cap gun.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 6:501 Rule: Only sneak into popular movies. I’ve been caught in a theatre with few people in it (dunno if the guys with the flashlights have a ticket count or not)
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 6:58I work on the weekends at a movie theater, and I agree with most of what is said here. I will disagree with #9 – we are paid poorly, but for some reason we do care about movie jumpers. And you may be 1400-2, but I’ve caught many, many people jumping theaters.
Best advice – look confident. I notice the jumpers when they turn around to look at me. 99% of the people who look behind to see where I am are movie jumping.
Also, I know it sounds stupid, but buy the $4 drink – and carry it with you. Many times, if you show you’ve bought something, we have a better chance of not caring even if we suspect you of jumping, thinking that you are at least spending money on food at the theater, where most of the profits are made.
But remember, if I do catch you, you will be ejected.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 6:59This was very insightful. It amazes me that people are willing to pay $15.99 for a DVD. I go to a drive in where you can see two movies for $6 a person. Get some dark blankets for the back and maybe hide someone in the trunk and you should be able to get in as many as 5 people for $6.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 7:41Haha. I always knew movies are cheaper here in South Africa. We have mainly two chains of cinemas here: Ster-Kinekor & NuMetro (www.sterkinekor.co.za & http://www.numetro.co.za). The pricing is about the same at both.
Ster-Kinekor has two types of multiplexes: the “Classic” and the “Junction”. At the “Classic” you pay about ZAR 38 which is about $ 5.20, this is considered expensive by most. At the “Junction” you pay about ZAR 14 which translate to $ 1.90. In my town we only have one multiplex, which is a “Junction” and they charge ZAR 19 ($ 2.60). Oh and don’t forget half-price Tuesdays for club members (ZAR 30 ($4.10) to join). NuMetro has discounted movies at their cinemas with the same prices as Ster-Kinekor. “Classic” is new movies but the cinemas is more luxurious. “Junctions” has sometimes the new movies as well, but the cinemas is more standard. They upgraded some multpliplexes to make them “Classics” about a year ago. Before that “Classic” prices were standard. Popcorn & a Coke works out about ZAR 20-30 ($2.70 – $ 4.10). Cinemas strictly enforce the “No food from outside” rule.
For referance: a Big Mac, medium fries and medium drink (#1 standard) is ZAR 20 ($2.70) here.
Release times of new movies: about a month behind the US. Except big international releases like LOTR and Harry Potter. They were released here at the same time worldwide.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 8:54This reminds me of the time I snuck 6 teenage girls into a drive-in in the trunk of my car. Damn shame I forgot they were back there for 2 weeks.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 8:58People always drop their ticket stubs on the floor while they wait in line for concessions. Just make sure u pick up the right color one.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:01There is a great website which lets you plan your marathon. Go here for your pre-game strategy session.
http://www.movie-madness.org
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:09I have never been to a theater when there was more than one movie worth watching.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:24Guess again. Those poorly paid kids are bored and catching people is great fun. Nothing like outwitting an adult. Especially those stupid enough to sneak into empty theatres.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:34Movie theaters, yuck. They reek of stale popcorn and either the seats or the floor is sticky becasue some tool spilled his drink earlier. I always feel ripped off if the movie is stupid.
Rent the movie on DVD. Watch it in your own home, copy it if you like. If it sucks, you are out much less money and you can drink beer while you watch it.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:46I used to work at a movie theater as an usher. I would really pay attention if people were sneaking in, the only people I would notice were the few hot chicks that stood out, in which case, i didn’t care if they were sneaking in, it gave me more time to go check em out.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 9:47mark,
funny. very funny.
found your way here via Fark?
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 11:07I wait by the exit doors for when people are leaving. Grab the door and slide in. Free free free. It is the riskiest way but without the adrenaline rush it isn’t fun.
One time I snuck into the last show of the night. The concessions crew brought in a huge ass bag of popcorn and gave it to us for free. My buddy asked them for free drinks and the brought us all large cokes!!! Now that I think about it, they prolly new we snuck in and spit in it. But oh well, it was free and they delivered!!!
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 11:19Many people dont know that the theater makes no money off of ticket sales – 80-100% of it goes to the distributor. Their money comes from popcorn & candy. Most couldnt care less if you see many movies as long as you buy some treats from them.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 13:02Ordinarily I’d say that since the movies are so ridiculously overpriced these days, since they’ve driven out all the cheapie theatres, I have no problem at all with people doing this. Fuck ‘em.
The sad thing is, the movies are also all so GOD DAMN TERRIBLE that there isn’t anything I ever want to see.
It’s so ironic that they blame falling ticket sales on piracy, when the answer lies in something they have complete control over. Quality.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 13:36I used to work at a movie theatre and the one about being poorly paid is true. Also, if you’re cool with the ushers, they definitely could give a shit less. And if you build rapport with them, they might even just sign you in ( a benefit from working at the theatre ) and get you in for free legitimately so you get over on the management.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 14:13I used to go on Tuesdays during the summer when school was out and sit and watch like three movies…no one cared. I was paid poorly as a teacher…it was $5 day at the theater. It was summer and things were laid back.
Don’t really go to movies anymore though. Too expensive.
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 18:29I like to scream “Fire!” in the middle of the movie. Gets em everytime…
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 21:03You can find 8 dollar tickets even in London. (Well, 4 pounds…)
Appeared September 7th, 2006 at 23:23You forgot some good advice:
– Buy concession food during your 2nd movie. The last person they’d suspect is the guy holding a bag of popcorn and a drink like he just got there. (Yeah, I know this is beside the point if you’re trying to save money).
– Sit in upper rows, centrally located. If they’re actually going to track you down, they don’t want to cause a commotion pulling you out of the theater. They’d just as soon let you stay.
– Slip into adjacent movies right after your first movie ends. Watch the middle of whatever for a while, then leave when you think your 2nd movie is just starting. That way you’re always in a darkened theater, away from the eyes of theater employees.
I might also add that if you’re really this desperate for entertainment, you could get Netflix and see 3+ movies a week for a few bucks a month. Or you could try reading a book, or walking in a park, or making art, or interacting with real live humans. Especially since so many movies suck nowadays.
Appeared September 8th, 2006 at 8:16I don’t feel bad about the sneaking because the movie theatres more than make their money up in concession sales.
Appeared September 8th, 2006 at 16:58Wow. You guys can outwit 16 year old kids. No wonder you’re so proud of yourselves. You sure do deserve those bragging rights.
I mean, as long as you’re being forced to watch movies at the theatre, you might as well think up brilliant ways to avoid paying, since it’s not like it’s going to come out on DVD or anything.
Appeared September 11th, 2006 at 13:24Seeing Guardian and TradeCenter tonight,
catch us if you can.
(fair warning issued)
Appeared September 16th, 2006 at 8:01I’m 15 and I wanna see texas chainsaw massacre the beginning (liked the first one a fair amount) but i cant seem to get in because there is a grumpy fat old usher that’s always working there. How can I find a way to get into my movie without getting caught. I’l pay for the ticket i just dont want to have to go see fucking open season or any other terrible shit, otherwise i need to wait about six months until i can watch em with my friends when they come out on dvd, which is gay cus then theres other movies i wanna see that are in theatres. Tips please fellas and gals alike!
Appeared October 7th, 2006 at 14:40Hehe, fun stuff. But remember, these “underpaid teens” have just as much fun kicking people out. I used to do it all the time when I worked every position at a large theatre. As a manager I trained my staff to find these people, just for the h*** of it. It’s just so much fun. I knew this one guy who thought he was pretty suave, I didn’t say anything to him for 2 weeks, then one day to mess with him I walked up to him with the security guard (off-duty cop who was in on it with me) and “threatened” him with arrest for theft of services. We told him we had video footage of him and he freaked. Then we laughed at him and told him to remember that we weren’t as dumb as he thought we were. The moron started crying (guy was like 30-something) and asked us if we wanted him to pay us back. We told him we were joking and we even let him finish the movie he was in. I don’t know about local laws elsewhere, but here sneaking into a movie is an arrestable offense (theft of services). I have never had anyone arrested though, that seems extreme to me. But its all fun anyways!
Appeared November 5th, 2006 at 22:15um yeah just so you know we almost always know that you are sneaking in and if customers have been particularly annoying that day, a friday for example, we take pleasure in kicking people out for any reason at all. bigger movies are actualy watched closely at our theatre at least, we keep someone at the door or inside the entire show and one usher can watch every single theatre from one spot so watch our
Appeared November 26th, 2006 at 16:38My advice to you crazy people:
A) Trash can hopping is for hobos you know low lifes.
B) No one cares if your a raciest. thats just mean.
C) Its kinda weird that a like 5o year old man is sneaking into movie theaters with his wife.
D) ugh…yeah rain coat man…thats just kinda creepy…
E) and no one should be sneaking into movies i mena make some money pay some respect to the actors/actresses.
Peace.
Appeared December 13th, 2006 at 7:09pay respect?
Appeared January 7th, 2007 at 21:16they’re their to entertain me.
it shouldn’t be for the love of the money that they’re acting for.
it should be for the love of drama.
Gee it’s good to be back hom. Josue Helka.
Appeared July 22nd, 2007 at 20:07I’m a film maker, and I still wanna sneak in! There is always people that are going to do so… whatever. Sneak into my films, but buy the DVD or something too :)
Appeared August 28th, 2007 at 12:06Everyone who works at a movie theatre for more than two weeks knows all of these tricks. And we know how to completely and totally embarrass those dumb enough to try them. We’ll watch you get into the movie, for sure, and once you’re settled and think you’ve just pulled one over on us, we come in during the movie to remove you. In front of all the other patrons.
Kicking out kids and adults alike who think they’re smarter than the average underpaid theatre worker is half the fun, and why some of us keep the job.
Appeared September 18th, 2007 at 10:15when they say it’s ove. Mihangel Caiaphas.
Appeared October 21st, 2007 at 17:32I’m an usher and know EVERY thing that happens on the ground. If you wanna get into a theater for free just take a couple minutes to talk to the usher and tell them how the movie your in (even if you aren’t in a movie) sucks. If they seem to be in a good mood, take a chance and ask if you can go into another movie. If it works you’re golden, if not, so what.
Appeared November 5th, 2007 at 1:38Ahahah! This is amazing!
Appeared June 30th, 2009 at 0:05a) All you people saying ‘Why sneak in?’ it’s because of the thrill of it. There’s no point watching it at home, you have permission to do that!
b) So, the staff know our tricks. Boohoo – we’re still gonna try, ’cause it’s a lot of fun when it does work and you’re huddled in the theater giggling with your friends hoping to God you don’t get caught, or your mom will whoop your a** into next Thursday. Or summin like that, anyhow.
c) I’d never try movie hopping personally, ’cause I’m a coward and I hate being in trouble and being guilt tripped so I wouldn’t risk it. But, totally good for all you whackheads that do! You guys rock! Lol, if I were an usher and I caught a sneak, I’d ask them to buy a treat or summin then I’d let them in, otherwise I’d eject them :)
Raincoat man, you’re very scary :/ Wouldn’t wanna meet you in a dark alleyway. Racist man: wtf? xDD Well, if I’mma burn in hell, I might as well live on the edge while I still can :D
Oh yh, in ZA (South Africa, you non-cultured people) we have Kinekor and NuMetro… they’re both actually quite expensive, considering the weakness of the rand… so movie hopping actually can work. xDD I wonder why nobody has mentioned bribing the ushers yet?