Man shot in movie theater for talking during “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
December 26th, 2008 by Scott Marks
James Joseph Cialella Jr., a cinephile’s best friend.
It’s a good thing that I don’t own a gun.
A 29-year-old Philadelphia man, angered when a father and his son kept talking during a Christmas screening of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, took matters into his own hands when he pulled a .380-caliber gun and shot the father.
Not guilty!
James Joseph Cialella Jr., 29 is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and weapons violations. Police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore told the Philadelphia Inquirer, “It’s truly frightening when you see something like this evolve into such violence.”
The incident took place at the Riverview Theatre at about 9:30 p.m. The victim, a Philadelphia man who was not identified, told police a man sitting near him told his family to be quiet and threw popcorn at his son.
According to Lt. Vanore, Cialella allegedly got out of his seat to confront the family when the father got up to protect them. That’s when the victim was shot once in the left arm, sending others in the theatre fleeing for safety. Once silence had been restored, Cialella sat down and continued watching the picture. Police arrived a short time later and arrested Cialella and confiscated his weapon, Vanore said.
What about crimes against art and what should be viewed as Mr. Cialella’s heroic act? Do you think that David Fincher made a three hour film for yahoos to blab through? And what kind of a role model was the victim, encouraging his son to talk during a movie?
Mr. Cialella’s handsome photo should be flashed during pre-show entertainment on movie screens across America as a warning to all potential inconsiderate disturbance makers.
Tags: philadelphia, Riverview Theatre, south philadelphia, The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonShare: 
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11 Responses to “Man shot in movie theater for talking during “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button””
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I have a feeling if this guy and his kid talked during “The Spirit”, it would have been a welcome addition. What kills me is the guy shot the father, and then everyone flees, and then HE SITS BACK DOWN TO FINISH THE MOVIE!!! Must be a good movie. Personally, I am waiting for the gay porn knockoff “The Bi-Curious Case of Benjamin Butthole”. Take that, “Milk”!
The gun is more disruptive than the talking. I would have just blown a poisoned ninja dart. All available movie evidence suggests to me that victims let out a very quick groan and then drop dead.
Just heard about it this morning, and was wondering what film it was!
I know this is digging a dead horse, but if it was during “Australia”, I would have aimed the gun at myself.
think that was a stupid thing to do. Shooting someone over a movie? Crazy!
Free Cialella!
You got that right, Erin! Theatres should start stocking their concession stands with firearms. And don’t forget flame throwers for kiddie matinees.
Cool, it’ll be like watching a film in Beirut.
Honey, I’m going to get some groceries. Cover me!!
I have wanted to do the same thing many, many times. Tip: When you go to see a movie at a public theatre, understand that YOU ARE NOT AT HOME. No one pays 1o dollars to LISTEN TO YOU TALK. WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY IS NOT AS INTERESTING AS THE MOVIE, EVER.
If someone gives me Mr. Cialella address I will send him money to help him with his legal costs. I AM SERIOUS.
Maybe the next time the Father goes to the movie he’ll think about shutting the f**k up and watching the movie. But I doubt it.
And what the hell is a father doing taking a kid to see a film like “Benjamin Button?” I don’t care if it is rated PG-13, it is definitely not a film for youngsters. The dupa father probably needed someone to explain the picture to him so he brought his boy along.
Do they still show first run movies to convicts? No one will dare talk with Prisoner Cialella in attendance.
TOP 10 EXPLANATIONS
1. The shooter probably thought it was a cowboy western “Shoot’em up!”
2. Sounds like a lost episode of, “Broke Back Bitch!”
3. What kind of father brings his kids to see “Benjamin Buttocks?” “A gay porn!”
4. “Sounds like a custody battle…between the Lieutenant & Pvt. Benjamin!”
5. “No matter what we may say…remember the is a date movie!”
6. “Was the shooter (Colonel) liscensed to throw popcorn?”
7. “How dare the shooter complain about noise…when he doesn’t even use a silencer!”
8. “After more more investigation, there was a third man involved…isn’t that considered a three-some?”
9. My question to the shooter…”Do you wax, pluck, tweeze or have you eyebrows threaded?”
10. “What does Brad Pitt have to say about this?”
#7 left me speechless. Great observations!