movie theatres

[kaysixteen]

I just glanced a FB ad noting that the new James Bond pic, originally set for an April release, is in fact going to hit theatres in Nov.   Is it just me, or is it not yet a good time to be going to a movie theatre, however much one might want to see the pic?

[Caracal]

I just glanced a FB ad noting that the new James Bond pic, originally set for an April release, is in fact going to hit theatres in Nov.   Is it just me, or is it not yet a good time to be going to a movie theatre, however much one might want to see the pic?

Movies theaters are on the list of things where I don't even get to the question of the actual risk because just considering it ruins the activity for me. A nice, quiet, dark movie theatre seems great, but not if I'm worried about who has masks on and how far away everyone sits. The whole point of going out to eat is that I find it relaxing. It isn't really something where I want to be monitoring the relative levels of risk.

[RatGuy]

Seems to be a moot point at the moment, since there are no cineplexes within 100 miles of me currently open. The local theater's marquee says "opening in July!" but that didn't happen. Other theaters in that chain are open, according to the website -- just not ours.

[mahagonny]

A movie theatre where people are eating and drinking is a great place to get a virus. If they could refrain from selling you stuff to consume and insist you keep you mask on at all times, it can be safe and a good way to get people working again.

[Parasaurolophus]

Your outbreak is still uncontrolled. No way.

[polly_mer]

Our local theatre is permanently closed.

[hmaria1609]

I've seen select AMC theater locations open in northern VA listed in the "Washington Post." They're a mix of new releases and older popular ones.

[Anselm]

If people are spaced apart during off peak hours then it should be less dangerous as a crowded classroom with poor air ventilation.

[kaysixteen]

If food is not permitted and rules for distancing and masks are in force, I can see where it might be theoretically doable now, but that's perhaps the key-- how are these things to be enforced?

[mahagonny]

If food is not permitted and rules for distancing and masks are in force, I can see where it might be theoretically doable now, but that's perhaps the key-- how are these things to be enforced?

If you're that concerned about it, maybe stay home and watch netflix. Tell me what you've seen recently that's really good.
You can certainly have a social life these days in person. But friends that you know & trust are much more reliable than crowds and strangers.

[Hegemony]

The trouble with friends you "trust" is that many of them turn out to have different ideas of what "social distancing" means than you thought. Sure, they're been completely socially distanced — except for those ten instances.  And as we've had plenty of opportunity to see, people tend to think that family and close friends are less likely to have COVID or transmit it than strangers. Plenty of superspreader family gatherings have proven that to be untrue.

[financeguy]

If your area has a local drive in (apparently some "pop ups" are happening also) I'd highly recommend this, even if you have to go out of your way an hour or two. Make an "event" of it since a film has been a while. I just saw Unhinged last week at a drive in which was the perfect diversion without any of the standard theater downside.

[Caracal]

The trouble with friends you "trust" is that many of them turn out to have different ideas of what "social distancing" means than you thought. Sure, they're been completely socially distanced — except for those ten instances.  And as we've had plenty of opportunity to see, people tend to think that family and close friends are less likely to have COVID or transmit it than strangers. Plenty of superspreader family gatherings have proven that to be untrue.

Well, I think the trick is to be clearheaded about the relative risks and benefits. To varying degrees, social isolation, or extreme social restriction isn't a reasonable long term plan for many of us. One way to think about it is how many people's risks you are taking on, and how much of their risk. If you go to an indoor wedding, you're taking on a fairly large share of the risk from a whole lot of people. If you have a distanced drink with a friend or two outside you take on a pretty small amount of one or two people's risk.

There's a tendency to argue that no amount of risk is acceptable, but we don't live our lives the rest of our lives that way and it doesn't work for a long term crisis.

[Vkw10]

Well, I think the trick is to be clearheaded about the relative risks and benefits. To varying degrees, social isolation, or extreme social restriction isn't a reasonable long term plan for many of us. One way to think about it is how many people's risks you are taking on, and how much of their risk. If you go to an indoor wedding, you're taking on a fairly large share of the risk from a whole lot of people. If you have a distanced drink with a friend or two outside you take on a pretty small amount of one or two people's risk.

There's a tendency to argue that no amount of risk is acceptable, but we don't live our lives the rest of our lives that way and it doesn't work for a long term crisis.

My doctor feels much as Caracal does. Extreme social isolation for extended periods isn't healthy, so you have to balance risks to yourself and all the people you come in contact with. Doctor suggested making a list of possible activities, then writing out conditions under which I would do each one, so I'm not making impulsive decisions out of loneliness and depression.

For me, movie theaters are okay if (1) seating is reserved, (2) reserved seats are distanced, (3) I'm attending first showing of day, (4) I wear a mask at all times, and (5) when I arrive at theater, everyone I see from parking lot to my seat is wearing a mask properly before movie begins.

I attended one movie before students returned to town, but since then the fifth condition has kept me out of movie theaters. My partner has rented theater for gaming sessions a couple of times, as the gaming group has agreed on social distancing rules, but isn't willing to risk strangers staying masked for two hours.

[fishbrains]

I can't imagine how loudly people will need talk into their cell phones while wearing masks in a movie theatre.