Plexing: stealing or justifiable?

[str8shooter]

Plexing is what the teens in the area call it when they pay to see a movie at the multiplex (16 screens) theater, and then go see another movie when the one they paid for either sucks so bad they walk out, or there's time to catch a second (or third, or fourth etc ) movie playing in another theater.

At the local multiplex, you pay for a ticket in the vestibule and have it checked on the way into the main lobby, but unless there's a hot movie that's been selling out, there's no one else to stop you from going into any movie you want, or as many movies as you have time for once your in the main lobby.

Well I took my kids to a movie over the weekend and heard a group of teens hanging out in the lobby debating on which movie to go see next, making no attempt at being quiet or discreet about their intentions. I also saw a mom and daughter coming out of a theater and the mom told her daughter to hurry up and use the bathroom while she gets thier (free at this theater) drink and popcorn refills so they don't miss the beginning of the next movie they were going to see. My daughter also heard the comments and asked "isn't that stealing". I said yes, yet in my mind I was thinking what's the harm, and when I saw how blatently others were doing it, I honestly considered it myself right up until my daughter asked her question. I couldn't think of a way to say this kind of stealing is OK, but that kind isn't, and even though I don't see the theater making any attempt to thwart the practice, I figured I'm not going down that road when I've apparently kept them on the straight and narrow up to this point.

So here's the question of this poll:

In your opinion, is "Plexing" stealing, or isn't it?

I hope to keep this friendly so everyone gives an honest response without fear of getting a "Holier than thou" lecture from others. Possibly the best way for that is to choose your answer, but refrain from adding a reply to justify how you answered if you think it's going to start a flame war. I'd really like to know how many think this practice is OK, or think it's as dishonest as having a friend open the back door to let his friends in.

[Agent Smith]

It is technically stealing; however, so are the prices the theaters charge, so it all balances out

[Michele]

Technically, it is stealing.

Although, with the price they charge to see a movie, I can understand getting the most bang for your many bucks. Paying 10-15 dollars to see a movie that just sucks is disenchanting and would cause some to see (steal?) more movies to get their monies worth.

"Plexing" has been going on for years. Back in the day, before multiplexes, some used to hide to see the movie again, well, maybe not the movie, but the cartoons.

[Scallywag]

Yep it's technically stealing but it's hard to see how it costs the theatre anything if the shows aren't sold out.
On the other hand a movie-theatre owner telling you that 'This movie is awesome' when it really sucks is technically lying too.

[LittleRedToyota]

i know some people who buy a ticket for one movie...watch that movie and then afterward also go into another movie and watch a second one without buying a second ticket.

imho, that is clearly stealing, and i don't see how one could rationally argue that it is not.

sounds like you are talking about a situation, though, where they don't actually watch the first movie...they walk out of the first one after a few minutes and then go into a different one. so, they are still basically seeing one movie for one ticket.

i never considered that before and that seems less clear, but when you consider that they are still viewing the second movie without having paid to view it, you could argue that it is still stealing.

the moral implications, i think come down to how movie revenues work...i don't know.

if the theater pays the movie distributers a flat fee for movies, then it might not really matter. you are still paying the theater to see one movie and seeing one movie. and the movie distributor (and, in turn, the producers, writers, etc.) are all getting paid the same amount anyway.

if, however, theaters pay the movie distributors (and, in turn, the producers, etc.) based on the number of people who buy tickets to that movie, then i think it is a problem...as you will be seeing movie B without having paid the distributors, producers, writers, etc. of movie B (instead you paid the distributors, producers, writers, etc. of movie A).

just my 2 cents.

[str8shooter]

Originally Posted by Michele

Technically, it is stealing.

Although, with the price they charge to see a movie, I can understand getting the most bang for your many bucks. Paying 10-15 dollars to see a movie that just sucks is disenchanting and would cause some to see (steal?) more movies to get their monies worth.

"Plexing" has been going on for years. Back in the day, before multiplexes, some used to hide to see the movie again, well, maybe not the movie, but the cartoons.

+1, and I may never admit it to my kids, but back in the Drive-In days when you had to pay for each occupant in the car, I crawled out of a lot of trunks.

[Michele]

Originally Posted by str8shooter

+1, and I may never admit it to my kids, but back in the Drive-In days when you had to pay for each occupant in the car, I crawled out of a lot of trunks.

HAHAHAHA, Do you have any idea how many bodies you can fit in the trunk of a 1973 Monte Carlo?

I guess here in PA your kids know what a drive in is being that they are still here.

Being from NYC, and moving up here, my son noticed the "drive in". He had no idea what they were. He was quite surprised when I told him. I also had to explain to him how we "heard" the movie, or even heated the car. Drive in's have been gone from NY since the late seventies.

Okay, i'll shut up now. I don't want to further offend those that remember drive in's.

Okay, ill just offend myself now. The last movie I went to at the drive in was Taxi Driver. Now, don't ask me about the movie, because, I was on a date.

[knighthawk06699]

Do what you want it is your business I have often thought about it but never done it. But if you are gonna do it please don't OC while doing it. We don't need anyone seeing us in a negative light.

[str8shooter]

Originally Posted by Michele

...Okay, ill just offend myself now. The last movie I went to at the drive in was Taxi Driver. Now, don't ask me about the movie, because, I was on a date.

For me it was a double feature, Refer Madness as the warm up, followed by a new release, Slap Shot. I was just a lad in NY at the time too. Also can't recall the movie, but it was because I was drunker than the hockey player who pissed himself during the game.

[PisnNapalm]

I guess I'm the lone person that said "No, the theater makes no attempt to stop it, so they obviously don't care."

They have the ability to remove you from the property once the movie you've paid for is over. If they choose not to do this and instead rely upon the people to do it for themselves, then I say it's on the theater.

Plus I hate being bent over and screwed out of $10 for a small popcorn and a pop. WTF? I figure that right there paid for a second movie.

I'm a ridiculously honest person who has never done this "plexing" thing. I have seen others do it but didn't say anything. For me personally, after 2+ hours in a movie seat I'm ready to get up and move.