Batman enthusiasts in Honolulu didn’t let the Colorado movie theater mass shooting deter them from being among the first to see "The Dark Knight Rises" on Friday, but it gave some pause.
Diego Rivera, 28, of Ewa Beach, sporting a Batman T-shirt at the first showing of the movie Friday morning at the Dole Cannery Regal Cinemas, said his wife, concerned for his safety, asked whether he was still going.
"If I were not to go, then that guy wins," Rivera said, referring to the Aurora, Colo., shooter. "He’s the supervillain. I’m not going to let him direct how I live my life."
Another Regal moviegoer, Arsenio Pelayo, 52, said, "We came in with a different kind of perspective because of the violence." He said he awoke at 3 a.m. and saw breaking news coverage on CNN.
"I really felt for all the victims," he said. "The shooter probably tried to portray himself as a villain." He said many are totally immersed in violent games, and "they are trying to act out their fantasies."
Malia Tawata, 23, of Kapahulu said she kept an eye on the exits in the theater at the beginning of the movie. She noted the Aurora shooter wore a gas mask, possibly emulating the "Dark Knight" villain Bane, who wore a mask.
Brittany Sylvia, 32, of Ford Island didn’t think about the Colorado shooting until "the scenes (where) they were terrorizing a lot of people," she said. "I was thinking, ‘Those poor people in the movie theater were being terrorized.’"
The Honolulu Police Department issued a statement that it has "increased police presence near theaters as a precautionary measure" but has not been contacted by theaters.
Consolidated Theatres said its teams worked quickly to address security concerns to ensure a safe and secure setting.
A statement by Regal Cinemas said, "Movie goers should expect stricter controls over character attire and accessories at our theaters," and Regal reserves the right to inspect backpacks, bags and packages.
Neither company would elaborate on security measures.
