Heads up, Star Wars fans! Going to see "The Force Awakens" could mean following a dress code.
With the last trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" released, it is all now but a waiting game for fans as they count down the days to the movie's premiere in December. Not that anyone will be bored waiting because they're probably busy planning what they'll be wearing for the big day.
But as a tweet showing a sign at a Cinemark theater would show, it would appear cinemas are not as big on costumes as the fans.
To clarify, "Star Wars" costumes are more than welcome. There are just some restrictions that fans will have to take note of, like no masks are allowed or anything that would cover faces and obscures identity. Simulated weapons or replicas will also not be allowed, from lightsabers to blasters and maybe even Chewie's beloved crossbow.
(Photo: Gordon Tarpley | Flickr)
The Cinemark sign doesn't go into detail as to why restrictions are being enforced but it is an understandable response to the recent spate of shootings, some of which have occurred in movie theaters.
By preventing masks or anything that could hide anyone's identity, theaters could lessen the chance that a shooter, emboldened by anonymity, will come to the movie, kill and get away without having been identified.
As for banning weapons, aside from the more obvious reason of preventing real ones from being disguised as toys, it could also be a way of deterring pre-show showdowns that start out innocent only to grow heated and end up in actual brawls. People can be passionate, after all.
Other theaters have not released announcements about dress codes but it is likely that many will be enforcing the same restrictions as Cinemark. If you're planning on coming as a stormtropper, for instance, then you're going to have to make do without your weapon and not wearing your helmet. That or you can come up with a different costume. There are still some days left until "The Force Awakens" opens in cinemas so hopefully that's enough time to rethink your premiere-day garb.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is due to hit theaters Dec. 18.
Photo: Darryl Moran | Flickr
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