Ads in movie theaters typically last for 20 to 30 minutes. Yes, we agree with you – it’s annoying. You come in at 7 PM sharp, right on time, with a big bucket of snacks in one hand and a soft drink in the other. Then the trailers start rolling, and you’re bored out of your mind, going through half of what you brought in before the movie even starts. Instead of dimming lights, you sit through car commercials, soft drink ads, and a series of trailers you’ve already seen on YouTube. It’s pre-show limbo at its worst, designed to throw off your carefully calculated RunPee strategy. What? Don’t you have it? Plan ASAP, then.
To survive the 30-Minute Trap, you need to find a way to keep yourself entertained. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to kill time while waiting for the endless movie trailers to end. Let’s go over a few of them now so you can save your popcorn bucket from a miserable fate.
Finding the Perfect Digital Distraction
The great savior of many movie-goers is one we all bring in our pockets. Not smuggled snacks, we’d never endorse that – we’re talking about our smartphones. You want something quiet and low-stakes that can keep you entertained without distracting everyone around you.
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One of the best options for that is to pull up a mobile game with sound off. With half an hour to kill, it’s the perfect time to log in and play mississippi poker until trailers come to a close. This keeps your brain engaged and focused on the game and not on the bucket of tasty, salty popcorn lying right next to you. If you turn down your screen brightness too, you’ll avoid the ire of any irate movie-goers who went through all their popcorn already and are looking to take their frustrations out on those around them.
While social media is also an option, it’s more of a passive activity. You’re watching what’s happening on screen, which leaves your hands idle and prone to emptying your snacks early. Because of that, the safest entertainment option is one that keeps both your hands away from the popcorn.
What people are saying
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November 17, 2019
One of the most useful apps I've ever come across. I've used it for years and recommended it to all my friends. Even if I'm not the type to have to pee during movies often, being able to pull up the app and pass my phone to my mom/friend/grandma so that they know when to go to the bathroom has been invaluable. Because then I don't have to summarize anything when they get back!!
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Once you make it to the “Turn off your cell phones” PSA, you’re in the safe zone. Wrap up your game, settle back, and slip your phone away. The hazard is all but passed, and now you can focus on enjoying the movie.
Final Thoughts on Theater Survival
So, yes, no matter how strange it may sound, the theater survival kit is definitely necessary. If you don’t prepare on time, you’ll end up looking at all those boring ads you hate so much. But if you prepare for the pre-show delay as a distinct block of time, you can make it pass much faster.
And you’ll make it to the opening scene with your popcorn and soda almost intact. And with your patience fully intact, too. Between Obsession and the Backrooms topping charts, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your strategy coming up real soon.