How to Have a Great Movie Experience

I love movies. Watching them destresses me. My college yearbook describes me as a movie addict. After all, back then I would watch a movie a week and rent laser discs in between. Since I started this online journal, I've blogged about movies 29 times. That's roughly 16% of the total number of posts.

What I've learned from watching movies is that there are key elements to a great movie experience.

Watch it on the big screen. Home theaters have become popular but experiencing a movie for the first time in the theater is an experience not to be missed. Everything is just larger than life and sounds so well. You're helping Edu Manzano's campaign too. And if you follow the rest of the tips below, you can watch it uninterrupted.

Choose the cinema well. I like the following cinemas - Shang Cineplex, Greenhills Theater Mall and Rockwell. I don't like watching movies in The Podium. My feet don't reach the floor of the movie theater.

Be on time. If you're on time, you can watch the trailers and the movie from its beginning. Also, you don't inconvenience and distract other people already watching the movie as you move yourself to your seat.

Choose your seat well. Your seat would likely depend on your visual acuity. If no seat to your liking is available, consider waiting for the next screening. You don't want to strain your eyes and crane your neck while sitting in the front row.

Watch the trailers. It's always nice to see what's next and plan your next adventure. It provides a teaser of the movie, you can then decide whether to see it in full or not.

Start at the beginning. You can only fully understand the movie if seen from the beginning. And when you do that, you're less likely to turn to your companion and ask "How'd that happen?" which can be pretty distracting to the other members of the audience.

Turn your cellphone off or silence it. I saw a cartoon once and a senior citizen's phone rang. She picked it up and it was even in speakerphone mode. Good she left the theater hurriedly. If you must use your phone, leave the theater and just return when you're done calling.

Empty your bladder. You don't want the urge to pee when the movie is at its climax. My mom wanted me to go to the toilet with her just when Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters were battling in the Department of Mysteries. She had to go on her own.

Bring a friend or not. Is your friend the noisy type? If so, better watch the movie alone.

Observe good manners. If you want to be treated well, treat others well too. Chew silently. Turn off your cellphone. Whisper. Don't kick the seat in front of you.

Don't read reviews before seeing the movie. It spoils the entire movie experience. You end up checking if the critic got it right. And if a critic writes badly about a movie, you might decide not to see it and miss one you could have enjoyed. Read the review after seeing the movie and then compare.

Dress comfortably. Some theaters can be very cold. Bring a jacket if you must.

Make sure you're rested. I watched Jurassic Park after coming from a 32-hour duty and I slept through it. Get a good shut-eye before seeing a movie. Otherwise, you'd be wasting your money and your snoring might hit a nerve.

Popcorn, perhaps? The icing on the cake. Eat whatever fills you. Of course, remember to follow the rules of the cinema. Dispose your trash properly. Eat in moderation.

These tips work for me. I'm sure they'd work for you too.


This post is part of the "How To" group writing project of Sarah Pacopac aka GnomeyNewt of Blue Jar.com.

movies, how to group writing project, bluejar.com