As a frequent moviegoer, my closest friend couldn't wait to tell me about an app that signals the best time to take a bathroom break during a film. The RunPee app enables you to catch up on what you've missed in the comfort of your own public stall or urinal. I needed to learn more.
RunPee was created by Dan Florio, a former software engineer from North Carolina. The idea came to him when he had trouble sitting through a three-hour remake of King Kong. As Florio told CBS News, "Out of that pain came the RunPee app." Their slogan is, "Because movie theaters don't have pause buttons."
Florio thought more about how taking an inopportune bathroom break affected other moviegoers. "You don't want to come back into the theater, and someone to be like, "Hey Darth Vader is Luke's father."
RunPee is a family business. Florio's mother is in charge of children's movies, his sister specializes in horror films, and Dan focuses on action movies. They also work with a professional movie reviewer whose emphasis is on obtaining ideal blockbuster "Peetimes," for members of the audience.
Florio explained more on the app blog powerslyde, "I've put a lot of thought and effort into making it easy to use without disturbing other people in the theater. Obviously, the design uses a black background to cut down on light pollution. Most importantly, there's a built-in timer that vibrates the phone when there's a Peetime." There are usually several times listed for each movie.
One glitch occurred during the Disney movie Frozen. The app suggested taking a potty break during the award winning song, "Let It Go."
The app also lets you know if you should stay until the end of the credits, so that you don't miss any surprises. Am I mistaken, or does RunPee give familiar barking orders like: stay, sit, and better go for a walk, NOW?!
Dan Florio leaked the meaning behind RunPee to CBS News, "Every great app solves a great problem. Whether it's Google Maps -- you're lost and you need to get someplace. RunPee solves a problem."
Maybe Google Maps could direct them to the restrooms before the movie begins. Better yet, why not find a perfectly centered seat in the middle of the aisle, then load up on popcorn and a large soda during the previews, so that you can climb over everyone during an hour into the movie, only to find your cell phone battery died. You end up missing the five minute summary, while antagonizing your seatmates as you fumble your way back in the dark. It would probably just be easier to flush your cell phone down the toilet.
