Olympus Has Fallen....along with some parental responsibility

Went to the movies last night with my beautiful wife.  As we sat in the theatre with buttery and salted fingers, Olympus Has Fallen starts.  About halfway through there is commotion behind us with an adult male voice stating something my ears couldn't tell my brain what he was chirping.  Only thing they comprehend is the word, "Unbelievable."  My brain is telling me to just keep watching the movie, you spent 10 bucks per person on this and you don't want miss it because of some "idiot."

A few minutes later, the film continues to another violent scene.  More commotion from behind ensues. I'm more alert for this one, and make out the phrases, "I should call the cops" and more "Unbelievable" mentions.  It clicks atop my head as to the gist of the commotion.  This aforementioned "idiot" is calling out supposed "parents" of a child or children watching the over-the-top gore and violence within this film.  Now what do I do.  I was thinking someone was on their cell phone and just being rude, but now I'm aware of my misguided thoughts.  Part of me wants someone to call the cops, and the other part of me realizes that this is not my child and I should not tell a parent how to raise their kids.  End result... I do nothing.  There are probably two or three more outbursts during particularly violent scenes.  I've sided with the loud-mouthed "idiot" obviously by this point, but decide they aren't leaving so what good can I do.  The film concludes and lights come up.

Now to see how old these kids are.  Wow, that kid is being carried by dad.  Maybe a 4 year old.  And there is a 6 year old.  And a 9 year old.  I'm shocked that some parents believe this is ok for young children.  The Motion Picture Association of America defines an "R" rating as this:

R — Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian. An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.

Nina and I chat about this issue on our way out to our car.  We both thought this film was good, but also agree the film is too violent (in our opinions) for young children and adults alike.  Why does it have to be such in-your-face gore?  Did me seeing that make my experience better or worse?  We are constantly bombarded in the media with negative news stories.  This is but one of many reasons, I am happy not to have a television.  I'm a pretty positive individual and really don't need to read, hear, or see negative (or extremely violent in the case of this film) stories to know there are bad people in this world.  I'm not close-minded in thinking that I can just shut it out by not reading the news, but I'd rather focus on making my life as quality as possible.  Happiness is contagious.  Have you made someone smile today?  My dog made four people smile this morning in just a few minutes.  I love it.  Time for a hike.