If you're a Star Wars fan then you must have felt the force tell you to bring your lightsaber with you to the theatre for the screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. But theaters tell everyone that not all are welcome.
Select theatres are banning movie goers from bringing props to the cinema. That also includes make up, masks and face paint.
A poster outside Cinemark theatre makes the above statement a point for future Jedis to ponder. "Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint, or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building." This announcement was also seen as trending on Twitter from an outraged fan named Scott Chitwood with Twitter Handle @Red5Aggie.
AMC seems to follow suit. AMC Theatres are forbidding masks and blasters but did give one consolation. Movie goers are allowed to bring their light sabers provided that they must be turned off once the movie starts. In the website, AMC announces : "AMC does not permit weapons or items that would make other guests feel uncomfortable or detract from the movie-going experience. Guests are welcome to come dressed in costume, but we do not permit masks. In short, bring your lightsaber, turn it off during the movie, and leave the blaster and Darth Vader mask at home." This statement apparently reflects the company's standard costume policy which has been in place for several years and never generated negative feedback from the crowd.
This could be a security measure because of the mass shootings in movie theaters back in Aurora and Lafayette. This could also be an alternative solution in balancing the public's safety and personal privacy.
That's something to think about when you're taking out your Jedi costume or Darth Vader cape for dry cleaning.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be out in theatres on December 18, 2015.
