Remember when going to the movies was simple? You’d buy a ticket, grab some popcorn, and watch a film. Now, it’s a test of endurance. A so-called two-hour movie stretches well beyond three hours when you factor in the commute, commercials, and the endless barrage of previews.
It’s frustrating, and Connecticut State Senator Martin Looney has had enough. His proposed bill would force theaters to disclose exactly how long these pre-movie promos last—giving audiences the power to skip them entirely.
Sounds great in theory, right? But let’s be real: it won’t solve the real problem.
First off, these ads pay the bills. Theaters aren’t just screening movies for fun; they need revenue to survive. And since ticket prices alone aren’t enough, ads and previews provide a crucial lifeline.
A single 30-second ad can rake in thousands of dollars, helping theaters stay afloat. If audiences suddenly stop showing up for the ads, where does that lost revenue go? Straight into higher ticket prices.
Then there’s the experience factor. Previews aren’t just corporate cash grabs—they’re a part of movie culture. They give you time to settle in, chat with friends, and build anticipation. Cut them out, and you’ll only make things worse. Imagine dozens of latecomers stumbling in well into the actual film, disrupting the experience for everyone. Instead of missing trailers, people will be missing key scenes.
Yes, the ads are obnoxious. Yes, they go on for too long. But Looney’s bill isn’t the solution. If anything, it’ll just make moviegoing even more frustrating. Theaters need to find a balance—because right now, they’re turning watching a movie into an endurance sport
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