If you're like me, you're hoping there is a special circle of hell for people that talk, play with their phone, or seem otherwise deadest on being a distraction at the movie theater. These people generally show so little concern for their fellow moviegoer that it can be dizzying if not rage-inducing. But what are we to do? Shushing them seems only to offer a brief reprieve from their incessant chatter. Telling them more directly to be quiet or shut off their phone can be met with shocking outrage and reprisals, like shouting and sometimes violence. Thankfully, some inspired cinema owner in London has a new solution: leave it to ninjas.
Okay, not so much ninjas as sort of covert ushers wearing full black bodysuits that allow them to slink through dark theaters largely undetectable, sneaking up to these rude audience members then shocking and shaming them into silence! /Film clued us in to this incredible innovation in improving theater etiquette, reporting that The Prince Charles Cinema has a new program that employs volunteer "ninjas" to safeguard your viewing experience. Their only payment is seeing the movie for free; though frankly I think there should also be a tip jar involved.
Their mission: to cut short the distracting antics of talkers, texters, popcorn-chuckers and seat-kickers with lightning fast efficiency! But does it work? Here's a testimonial from one man who dared cross the ninjas:
" I normally hate noisy people in cinemas, but I got a call from my friend just as the movie started and thought I could get away with taking it. The last thing I expected was two completely blacked-out people suddenly appearing by our seats and give me and my mates a warning to shut up. It was actually pretty terrifying at first, but then I realised it was a bit of a laugh and a great way to make it clear what I was doing was having an impact on those around me. It certainly made me hang up and shut up for the rest of the film."
As someone who has regularly railedagainst bad behavior in theaters, I'm hoping this tactic—and its incentive program—makes its way Stateside soon.
