Movie Time

 by Doug Smith

http://web.archive.org/web/20000411122506/www.ed2go.com/news/movies.html

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!