When you decide to go out to see a movie, it is not a simple decision. You have to
decide what movies are worth seeing, what movie to see, and even where to see it. Luckily,
there are many sites available on the Web to help you find the perfect movie in the
perfect location.
Your first step should be to find out what movies are currently playing. I've found
that CNN has a Showbiz site
that is an excellent film resource. This site not only covers film news and
releases, but features film reviews as well.
E! online is an all-around
excellent entertainment resource with a great movie section. Here, you can get movie
news, information on new and current releases, reviews, and information on films on video.
Now that you know what's available, you have to decide what to see. You can get reviews
from E! Online and CNN Showbiz, but there are other review resources out there as well,
some better than CNN and E!
You could always go with what you know. Roger Ebert is one of the most recognized film
reviewers out there. Ebert has his own website to help you decide what film you should
spend $7 (plus popcorn and soda) on. Ebert's site
has his recent thumbs-up and thumbs-down, video picks, best-of and worst-of lists, and
information about his weekly film review show.
Moviefinder.com claims to be
"your complete movie connection," and they seem to live up to their claim. This
is a cool site that has pretty much anything you'll need to find: movie information,
reviews, show times, and a whole lot more. You'll find information on films released in
the theatre, films on video, and films on TV. They even have a "Films You'll
Like" section determined from films that you indicate you already like. You can even
get show times and prices for theaters in your area by entering your zip code. Finally,
you can order tickets for selected show times and venues online!
Similar to Moviefinder is Moviefone.
Moviefone is a good resource, but I like
Moviefinder a little better. Moviefone has
many of the same features as Moviefinder including reviews, information, previews, and a
theatre locator. I've had some problems with the Moviefone site in the past. Moviefinder
is more professional and consistent, and more reliable.
Many films have their own websites prior to release. These sites are sometimes
extensions of the films themselves, and other times informational resources. Often, the
site for the film will contain casting information and other tidbits, like the preview,
and so on. Certain film sites blend the line between film and reality.
The Blair Witch Project film site is an
extension to the film. Though the film was hyped as a true story, it was actually
fictional. The Blair Witch Website helps provide a backstory to the film itself, and was
online nearly a year before the film's release, helping to build a buzz and following for
a film that wasn't even released in theatres!
The Deep Blue Sea
website gives visitors a virtual tour of the Aquatica Research
Laboratory, the
underwater research lab where the film takes place and where the smart sharks do their
feeding. The site also includes ticket and show time information, as well as useful
tips for surviving a shark encounter!
So, maybe finding a movie to see isn't such a hassle anymore. From the convenience of
your computer at home or work, you can find film news, reviews, information, show
times and online ticket ordering. Pretty much all you'll have to do is show up to the
theater, pick up your tickets and snacks, and go sit down and enjoy your movie!
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Movie Time by Doug Smith