Last year, I discovered that I enjoy going to see some of the recent movies, especially the relatively new 3D movies.

Initially I resisted going to see the newer style of 3D movies since in the past when I went to 3D movies they always gave me a headache both during and after the movie was over.  With the new 3D style of glasses though, it’s different!  The visual effects are much more real and for once I actually enjoy watching 3D movies.  While my eyes are tired (that’s the best way that I can describe it) after the 3D movies end, I don’t have the piercing headaches like I did in the past.

The costs of going to see a 3D movie (with your significant other) can run you over $40.  However, it’s worth it if you keep your visits out at the movie theater to only a few times a year.

Today, I’m going to reveal the process that I follow to pick a movie to see for the best bang for my buck.

My Steps to Pick a Night Out At The Movies

1. First the movie has to be a movie that either my spouse or the entire family would find interesting (although, I do occasionally go with my friends to have a guy’s night out, especially when it’s a testosterone packed movie)
2. I always consult the most excellent website called “Internet Movie Database” at www.imdb.com.  What’s special about this site is the fact that regular people like you and I go and rate the movie.  So as you can imagine, I only go see a movie after it’s been out a few week.  That way the ratings at www.imdb.com is a decent average of all of those who saw the movie and left a review.  If the movie isn’t rated at least a 7, we don’t go to see it in the movie theaters.
3.  I prefer to go to late in the day matinée movies.  This enables me to get out of the movie theater when it’s starting to get dark.  Then we go to a nice dinner to cap off the evening.
4. If possible, I try to see movies during the weekdays during matinée times.  This doesn’t happen often, but we do find that movie theaters are less crowded, and especially when going out to dinner afterwards.  I hate to wait in lines for dinner, generally it’s a waster of time.
5. Generally, we like to go to the movies during the winter seasons.  The summer seasons are too full of kid’s sports activities and enjoying the great weather.
6. We have been known to sneak food into the theater occasionally.  Keep it a secret though, I don’t want people to think I’m cheap… or do I?  We do this about 50% of the time.
7. If the kids aren’t going, we usually schedule the trip to the movie theater while the kids are on a sleep over at the grandparent’s or a friend’s house.
8. And finally, sometime we wait a few months for the movie to come out at our local dollar theater or drive-in.  This is truly the best bang for the buck.

And there you have it!

Cheers,

MR