The inspiration for this entry was a result of talking to Wordschat (another movie blogger you can check out, if you’re not already familiar with him) on my review of the movie Side Effects (2013), starring Channing Tatum, Rooney Mara, Jude Law, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In our little exchange in the comments section of that entry, he mentioned that there were fake pharmaceutical websites created specifically for the movie and that he had read they were “. . . created by a real multinational advertising agency for authentic look.” I checked out the website and for some reason it’s not working for me—either because my computer is not powerful enough or it could be that it’s gone offline since the movie is now in theaters. (To be honest though, my computer not having enough power seems more likely, as I seem to run into this problem often with it.) I did a Google search and was able to find one of the websites he was talking about for one of the fictional drugs in the movie called Ablixa. I agree with him that the website was very well done, but I also couldn’t really explore too much of the website because my computer unfortunately just doesn’t have the horsepower to run that much data smoothly, haha.
It got me to thinking though, about the question I’ve posed in the title of this entry. For all the movie lovers out there, what makes you want to go watch a movie? And, if you’re willing to share a bit more, what is your movie-going process?
For myself personally, I hardly ever check the official websites to movies. TV shows on the other hand, are a different story—I’ll visit those every-so-often. As for why that is, I don’t really have much of an explanation for, it’s just always been that way. Although, when I think about it, I think it has a lot to do with the fact that TV shows are not one and done like movies are; there’s episodes to catch up on, schedules to look up, articles to read, etc. I suppose the other reason why I don’t really check movie websites is because of the problem I ran into with the one for Side Effects; just too much power for my computer. (Yes, I realize I need an upgrade but that probably isn’t going to happen soon, since I’d need to come up with the funds for it. However, I also don’t know what the best computer is to get, so if anyone out there has any suggestions on a brand of laptop, please feel free to sound off in the comments below, I’d appreciate the input.) Anyway, for the most part, I base my movie decisions based on trailers I see in theaters, additional trailers on YouTube, and information on websites like Fandango and IMDB.
As for my process, I like to go the opening weekend; usually Saturday mornings, when not a lot of people are out and about unless it’s a really popular movie like The Dark Knight Rises (2012) or something along those lines. I’m one of those people that really enjoys going to the movies solo, mostly because when I go in a group people always seem obligated to talk for some reason, and that just drives me crazy. I like to be able to get absorbed in the story and visuals without any distractions. Also, by going alone I don’t have to try and convince friends to go see a movie they might not be all that interested in seeing. I don’t really buy concessions when I go to movies mostly because the prices are ridiculous, but I will every once in a while if I’m super hungry and don’t have time to grab a bite to eat beforehand.
So there you have it, my thoughts on the subject. Hopefully readers out there will be up for the discussion. Looking forward to reading all the thoughts/comments!
Cutting Edge Creativity 
I almost never go to a movie based on advertisements. I usually check Rotten Tomatoes and make my decision based on what seems most interesting to me and what critics seem to like most. An example of this is Gangster Squad. The trailers made the movie look absolutely awesome. However, I read reviews before actually deciding to go, and I think I made the right decision to not waste my money on that. Ever since I saw Project X early 2012, I became even more careful in my movie selection.
Hahaha! Is it bad that I think it’s hilarious that it seems like Project X was a turning point in your movie life? I think I’ve seen movie posters for a movie called This is 21 or something like that. It looked like another Project X. I couldn’t help but to be reminded of you when I saw that poster.
Yeah, I agree and on same wave length @nasen75. I hardly ever go for advertisements. I try to make it to movies once every couple of weeks and also like to go alone. It’s pointless to take my wife since she always falls asleep no matter what the film is — she can sleep at home for free:-) .
I typically like to watch films others may not be watching, and will go during a matinee showing during the week when not as many folks are there. The only film I’ll probably see and take kids to opening night on is the Fast and Furious 6 this year.
Outside of theatres, I like to watch Indie and foreign films. Aside from the special effects, I find that many of these films are better than what’s made in the States, and are more original than these constant remakes.
I agree with you completely on the foreign film front. I wonder why that is? Are we just less creative as people?
Also, do you have only boys? If you have a daughter you might wan to consider Epic. That one looks like it’s going to be fun too.
I have gotten used to the convenience of being able to pause when I need to pee (which is often) or want to get a snack (also often.) I can rewind if I miss a word or something. So, I hardly go to the movies anymore, because sitting in a filthy, gummy seat and trying to ignore some asshole twittering in the theater is just not my idea of fun. The only time I am tempted to see a movie in the theater is when it’s either a movie I’ve really been anticipating (PROMETHEUS) or one that likely has special effects and sounds that would look better on the big screen (I know most movies would be better seen big, but it’s not as important for your average action or RoCom as it would be for something with badass effects, like Prometheus or Avatar.) Plus, going to the movies has gotten ridiculously expensive. it’s just not worth it anymore.
Hey! Long time no see! Glad to see you’re still keeping up with the place! 🙂
Haha, I think I’ve actually mastered the art of not needing to go to the bathroom for up to four hours. The theaters around me are mostly clean, so I’m not to worried about the gunk, but I definitely agree with you about the rewinding bit. Sometimes things happen just a little too fast for my liking and I end up getting distracted by whatever it was I felt like I missed.
I also agree that movies have gotten pretty pricey, but if there are a couple theaters nearby me where if you go before noon, you can watch movies at a far lower rate. $6 at my local AMC. Not bad, I think.
And I definitely feel you about the special effects too.
Prepare for an awesomely long ass reply.
1st of all, buy a MacBookPro.
What draws me into Theatres is usually my own reasons. An actor / director I like, the hype surrounding a movie, and what I can suss out from the internet. I’m more likely to be exposed to a movie through my various movie / comic websites, than any Trailers on TV. However, when I have some downtime (usually once in a few months) I’ll go on a Trailer viewing binge online. Since I’m currently in Asia though, most of my Indian movie aware-ness comes from the 3423324 channels here.
Now, I’ve been diagnosed with both ADHD and mild forms of OCD, so you can imagine I have a very specific process of how I enjoy my movies. I don’t mind who I go to the Theatres with, (it’s usually the same select crowd) as long as they adhere to certain rules. We must be in our seats no later than 30 minutes before the movie starts, to ensure best seat selection. I usually get a drink + some form of candy like Maltesers or M&M’s, nothing messy. Back in the day I had another rule of no making out in a Theatre, which… was very unpopular. I don’t have to worry about that now. lol.
So far I’ve never reviewed movies that I watch in Theatres, however, I feel like I might be doing that soon, at which point I most likely will have to go alone.
HAHA. I hear Macbook Pros aren’t necessarily great for gaming though? And isn’t there still that issue with the flash limitations?
Thanks for sharing! As far as getting seated before a movie, I always arrive an hour or two early for a flick. :p
Wow thanks for the shout out Rae. We’re kindred bloggers in the SLP dislikers club. What draws me to a movie? “I’m no sexy I’m just drawn that way” – Jessica Rabbit from animated classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit. A teaser line or well known character phrase can pull you in. Star power and reputation bodes well too. For instance if Spielberg’s behind it it must be good. Not always; two words – Bore Horse.
LOL, I agree with you about War Horse. On the one hand I was glad that it wasn’t too violent or I might have spent 90% of the film cringing, but on the other hand I did think that film was rather slow.
No problem about the shout out, I try to do those when I can as often as I can. 🙂 Thanks for always stopping by…and YES. You have no idea how glad I was to hear of another person who didn’t think SLP was all that awesome. Hahaha.