If you are planning on dressing up to see The Force Awakens, make sure you pick a character that doesn’t wear a mask or carry a weapon, because otherwise you might not be able to get in.
Cinemark’s poster for the new Star Wars film says that certain attire and props will not be allowed in. “Star Wars costumes are welcome. However, no face coverings, face paint or simulated weapons (including lightsabers/blasters) will be allowed in the building.”
Banning anything that hides someone’s identity seems fairly defensible, even for a group of fans cosplaying at a movie opening, and barring blasters makes sense, unfortunately, since toy guns bring the serious risk of misidentification, especially in a dark theater. However, the lightsaber ban seems a bit far for a Star Wars movie. Is someone going to confuse it with a real lightsaber?
AMC seems to agree with that assessment, since they are also enacting a ban on masks and blasters, but allowing lightsabers. “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.”
People are going to complain about these rules, but I’m not sure what other options theaters have. These movies are going to be events, with every seat filled; it wouldn’t be worth the risk of ruining the experience because the police are called over a fake toy, or something worse. As much as you might want to show up as Greedo to point out that Han definitely shot first, it only takes one misunderstanding to ruin the night for everyone.
Just go as Uncle Owen.
What are some other theater-appropriate costumes you could wear for The Force Awakens? Let’s list them in the comments.
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Image: Huffington Post
