An Escape From Ads Before Movies?

If there’s one thing a majority of Americans agree on it’s that ads before movies are annoying. Now Lowes will begin publishing actual start times so moviegoers can skip out on the annoying spots for cars, video games and perfumes.

But exactly how does this help? At least in my neighborhood, if you don’t show up 15 minutes early, you don’t get a decent seat. Publishing “real start times” is acknowledging the problem without addressing the issue.

And it’s doubtful movie theaters will address the issue. As long as we keep paying for tickets, they’ll keep selling our captive eyes to advertisers. A group named Captive Motion Picture Audience of America is working to petition theaters to stop the practice, but the only effective means of protest would be a boycott.

Hit their bottom line and movie theaters will realize they’ve gone too far. If that’s asking too much, might we suggest brining your Ipod and a good book.