Media Chatter

The price of movie theater tickets has increased over the past several years. However, that has not kept people, including myself, from frequenting the theaters. Often times, when previews for the latest movie are viewed on television we feel the need to see the movie as soon as we possibly can. This is one reason why so many people go to the movies each day. Another positive aspect of seeing a movie in the theater is the effect given. By viewing the movie on a very large screen and with intensified sound you get a different experience than if you were watching it at home.

Though seeing a movie at the theater may include a more engaging experience than watching it at home, the latter has its benefits. One benefit is that it is much cheaper to rent a movie than to see it at the theater. Many people choose renting a movie because it is cheap entertainment and leaves them with more money to spend on necessities and other things they enjoy. Another benefit is being able to watch the movie at any time you choose; this is most beneficial for people with busy lives. When renting a movie you may also watch it as many times as you desire during the period of rental.

The way a person chooses to watch movies is a matter of personal preference. Some people may enjoy the cheaper price, the convenience, and the comfort of renting a movie and watching it at home. Others may enjoy the experience the theater brings with a larger screen and distinctive sound. I, along with most people, seem to meet somewhere in the middle of these two. When one feels an urgency to see a movie or feels that it will be better viewed through the experience of the theater he or she will be willing to pay the higher price and center the plans of their day around the schedule of the theater. However, when one is less excited about a movie or feels that the experience will not be drastically altered by watching it at home, most will opt to do this. Therefore, the way a person chooses to view a movie depends on the individual and what is most important to them.

I love movies. Movies are kind of an escape for me, and I love curling up with a blanket and relaxing the time away as I watch one of my favorites like A Lot Like Love. I honestly don’t go to the movies that much, unless it’s one I know will be great. If I really like a movie, I will go see it in theaters multiple times. For instance, I saw Hairspray seven times in theaters, but didn’t go see another movie in theaters for almost a year. The sequence repeated itself when The Dark Knight came out in July. I saw it five times in theaters and once in Imax. However, I haven’t been to the movies since seeing The Dark Knight.

I think the experience of going out to the movies is worse than watching movies at home, because watching movies at home is much more relaxing. With freedoms to control the sound of the movie, restroom breaks, rewinding if someone was talking, and the ability to skip through previews are only a few of the luxuries of watching movies at home. However, the huge screen, loud surround sound, movie theater popcorn, and just the idea of having a night out with the girls or guys, or even on a date are luxuries of going out to the movies. I can remember many times of going to Regal Cinemas with my friends and on dates in high school.

Renting movies is not my cup of tea. I like watching movies, but late fees and going to the actual video store, to pay for something I have to give back is an annoyance to me. I am an avid movie buyer, but not renter. I think I got into this habit when I was younger, because I would rent movies from Block Buster and the late fees would rack up. Because being late is a trend in my family, the late fees would rack up to cost more than buying the video would be. Also, one can rent a DVD for five dollars, or go out and watch a movie for eight dollars. Again, the luxuries are different in the two circumstances. I do support buying the DVDs once they have gone down in prices until they are under ten dollars. It really depends on the person’s personal preference, but for me, watching a movie at home is much better.

One of my favorite things to do is watch movies whether it’s in the theater or renting it from the local movie rental store. On a monthly basis, I usually go to the movie theater about two times. On some occasions I go up to four times a month. It jus depends on what movies are out to see each week. When it comes to renting movies I rent more movies that I go out to the theater. I have been known to rent at least two movies per week. I love the access to thousands of movies and being able to rent as many as I want at anytime. For the most part I enjoy going to the theaters to see a brand new movie that I’ve been waiting for months to see. Yet have you ever had the experience of going to the movies sitting down and as soon as the movie starts people won’t be quiet? Or immature kids laughing out loud and yelling at the movie screen? Many times this is the experience you get when you go to your local theater. Why deal with these problems, instead I prefer to rent movies. Renting movies is affordable and you can watch the movie from the comfort of your home. Also you can stop the movie to go grab some more popcorn and you won’t miss out on your movie. The benefits of renting movies beat going to your local movie theater anytime because you can watch it from home and have no distractions.

Nothing brings a group of friends together like a good movie on a Saturday night. This is the perfect night, you have popcorn, sodas, every junk food available to you and you have the intention of staying up all night. But the question is; Is this moment better than it was when you seen it in the theaters.

I usually go to the movies every time there is a big movie coming out. Movies like Iron man, The Hulk, Hancock, and The Dark Knight. Those movies created a lot of buzz before releasing to theaters everywhere, but I would have to say that once you see those types of movies in a theater the hype is so much greater than it is when watching it on DVD. You have wall-to-wall surround sound, a dark room, a massive screen in front of you so if you miss anything that’s your fault, and a big comfortable chair with the cup holder this is the perfect movie setting. So you can say that theaters somewhat spoil you when you are watching a movie.

Now I usually don’t rent movies, unless I really want to see a particular movie. but even when I do i can’t help but to think how was it in the theaters, but now you way on simulating that theater experience in your on home with big screen TVs and booming surround sound rivaling that of the theaters. The disadvantage of that is now you have to wait even longer for the movies movies to release on DVD. Sure people are quick to go to the jockey lot to purchase a black market DVD or also known as the bootleg copy, but you don’t get the same picture quality let alone the same audio quality and now your surround sound isn’t playing to it full potential and you’re not able to show off that nice HDTV that you have.

In the end when it is all said and done, Nothing can compare to the movie theater experience. You can try to simulate it all day long in your home but you have to compete with phone calls, kids won’t behave. These things take away from the movie at home, but when you watch it at the movies you tend to be clued to your seat not wanting to move because the theater as sucked you in and won’t let you go ecspecially if it a box office smash.

It was the summer of 1987, I was fifteen years old and I couldn’t wait to hear that line on the big screen. One big problem though, to hear that line I would have to gain access to an R rated movie. Now I know what you’re thinking, no big deal you can do that all day. Just go up to the window and buy a ticket for one movie and sneak into the one you want to see, right? Wrong, this is 1987 and movie theaters aren’t set up like they are now. First you have to go to the window and buy the ticket with the parent or guardian. Then when you walk in, the choice in screens isn’t fifteen or twenty like today, you had maybe five or six all connected to one big lobby. This makes it hard to sneak out of one and into another. Finally, growing up with a semi-strict mother wasn’t going to help with my quest to some major big screen violence. So what is a young man and his friend supposed to do to get into such an amazing movie that talks about blood and killing in the tag line. Take a risk and gamble. Fortunately I happened to be at the beach for the summer with most of my extended family of aunts, uncles and ah yes the grandparents. First piece of my plan set in motion, get my grandmother to take us to the theater. Now to decide what movie I would tell her that my friend and I were going to see, Ernest goes to camp, perfect. Now comes the big problem, since I can’t sneak into the movie I’m going to have to buy a ticket to the movie I want to go see without my grandmother knowing. My grandmother pulls up to the curb in front of the ticket window and out my friend and I step. With all the confidence a fifteen year old can have we step to the window and requested our ticket. The next few seconds seemed like an eternity and then came the reply. “You will need a parent or guardian with you to get these tickets” and all seemed lost. In one last valiant attempt, as my grandmother pulled off, I responded “That’s my grandmother, do I need to chase her down and get her to come up here?” saying a little prayer under my breath. Another eternal pause, my friend and I sweating bullets, and the horrible thought of an Ernest movie hanging over our heads. Finally those amazing words of salvation were spoken “No, that’s ok. Here are your tickets.” Touchdown!!! Homerun!!! Score!!! We’re in. We stroll up to the concession counter and order our drinks and popcorn and brazenly walk right in to the theater. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day for two fifteen year old boys than sitting in a nice cool movie theater and watching a movie you shouldn’t be in at all. As we sit down to enjoy our movie and our conquest the credits start to role, first up is the name of the baddest man of summer mayhem Arnold Schwarzenegger followed by the title of that amazing summer movie Predator. It’s been over two decades since that summer and I’ve seen Predator at least two dozen times and each time I sit down to enjoy it I remember that hot summer, that cool theater, those secret agent moves we pulled to get in, and how truly awesome that movie was to two fifteen year old boys.

The movie industry reaches a wide audience. There are the people who love sappy, romantic-comedies. There are people who like the movies that cover the grit of war and action. There are also the people who like to sit down and watch mindless parodies and comedies. The movie industry does a great job of delivering what the people want no matter what the taste. What movies would I like to see made?

My trip to Hollywood to be a producer would shake it up a bit. My producing would involve movies that challenge the mind. One of my favorite television shows is Lost. It captures a world of uncertainty that is outside “normal” life. It has real, gritty characters that come into conflict, but has an odd twist at every turn. My movies would cause people to reevaluate their entire existence and question everything after getting out of it. Now, this would be done in doses. I would not want mass mayhem and hysteria after each of my movies. There would have to be some comedy mixed into these films because that is a facet of life to lighten up the mood. The mix of reality, fantasy, and comedy would create movies that actually cause people to stop and think. I would hire writers that would rise above the vain, materialistic nature of Hollywood and show the reality of life, but expand upon it. The Bible is very much a book like this. The Bible shows the flaws of righteous men like David and Moses, but also shows unbelievable events with them involved like the crossing of the Red Sea or a boy defeating a giant. It is a book that has challenged the mind for thousands of years. My theory is that intelligent movies would create a more intelligent audience which betters society overall.

Making more intelligent movies would be one change to Hollywood, but I am not sure I would make many changes to Hollywood. A lot of what Hollywood produces is based on the market. There is a market for sappy, romantic comedies and gruesome, war flicks. You cannot force more intelligent movies upon the public. It has to gradually take over, but the people will come. People will most definitely come.

Today I don’t ever go to the movies, besides the fact I don’t even know where the movie theater is located in Anderson, but I also don’t have the time and the movie theater is up to about ten dollars just to watch one movie. So if I can remember correctly I think within last three months I might have been to the movies once. There is no comparison to how often I rent DVD’s to going to the movie theater. Because I have probably rented about ten DVD’s just this month. I watch DVD’s all the time. It is so much easier and to me a much better way to watch a movie. One your in the comfort of you own home and two you have the power to control the movie. For example; you need to use the bathroom or you want to get some food out of the kitchen, all you have to do is press pause. And if you really enjoyed the movie you and either watch the movie again or you can wait a few days and then watch it over. Also to rent a movie it cost around five to eight dollars for as many as people you would like to watch compared to ten dollars for one person. So the best deal to me would be to wait for the movie to come out on DVD. Because you save money and you get to watch it in the comfort of your house.

The only movie that I can think that of that I was not allowed to see was Erin Brokovich and it was not even seen in the theater. So as far as I know that was my first rebellious experience and it was not even worth it. At the time, I think I was in eighth grade when I saw it. I was on a trip with a friend and her family and they rented the movie because it had rained the entire day and we could not do anything or go anywhere. I think I had to call my parents to get permission because her mom thought that I should ask before we watched it, but I never got in touch with them so I just decided it would be okay. You know in middle school you cannot be a square because your friends will go back and tell everyone that you are weird or something like that. All I can really say is that it was a horrible experience. The movie was more of a documentary in the first place so I was thoroughly disappointed for my first rated R movie experience. Erin Brokovich is one of those flops or it was just made for adults to understand. As a 14 year old, I had no idea what was going on and the importance/significance of the theme of the movie. I could care less. Julia Roberts was so good and it was very dramatic but required a lot of poise as an actress. But as a whole, it was one of the longest most boring movies I have ever seen.

I enjoy going to the movies. I would say I currently go around once a month. The atmosphere created by the large screen and extremely loud speakers, helps the audience relate more with the movie. When watching an action film, the sound of the deafening bullets feels as though it’s happening around you. The intensity of the movie theatre is something very hard to recreate at home.

Around once a week me and my friends will take a trip down to blockbuster and rent a new movie. We go back to our room and play the film on our 24 inch TV. Unfortunately, it isn’t half the experience the movies theatre produces, but for genres such as comedies, it can be ideal. It’s not essential to feel you’re in the movie or for it to be realistic, for the movie to be funny. A DVD on a Saturday night can help remove the boredom, at a third of the price of the movies. You can also eat your own food and drink, without being ridiculously over priced at the cinema.

So I would have to say that I prefer going to the movies overall. It’s not always worth the money you pay, but it delivers a great atmosphere and intensity to a film that a Saturday night DVD just cant.

Watching a movie seems to be the simple answer to any night.  Whether its a date, girls night, or just hanging out trying to find something to do.  You can make watching a movie into an event or just a casual thing.  Although it is a simple answer to the big question, it also leads to another question.  Should we go to the theater or just rent a movie?  This can be a toss up at times, but with rising costs of theater tickets the answer may soon be an easy one. 

When given the option between going to the movie theater or renting a movie, i tend to prefer renting.  In the past twenty years, ticket prices have  increased almost three dollars.  When going as a group the  cost of the evening for a group of 5 people would be about $35, $7 per person. When compared with the cost of a movie rental it almost seems insane to go to the theater.  Renting a movie costs about $4 or $5 and can be watched repeatedly and at your convenience.  Going to the movie theater is gradually becoming less of an option because of its cost.

Variety  shows the top rated films of today, even worldwide.  The Jonas Brothers, Eagle Eye, and Revolutionary Road are three of the many examples of television shows and movie trailers being aired today.

The significant role that the U.S. movies play in global culture today has adversely affected society.  ”The Dark Knight,” “Spiderman 1,” “Spiderman 2,” and “Spiderman 3,” among others, have brought in billions of dollars to movie theatre’s nationwide.  

In relation to the global economy, these movies and others greatly enhance economics and the overall fees of today.

As to whether or not their role should be less significant – look at the actual significance they are experiencing.  Theaters nationwide and box offices are bringing in large amounts of money and in return, able to fund and produce high quality shows, surround sound theaters, among many.  

The significant role that movies play in global culture are inevitably lucrative; yet, they may not contribute to the nation’s morale as a whole.  Financially, companies are expanding beyond measures; morally, because of the content being aired and more, individuals and morals are declining.

The Jonas Brothers bring in famous music, “Spider Man” and “The Dark Night” bring in viewers and in return, have diverse fans – this movie industry has inevitably affected global economy and culture – look at the movie theaters and the commercials around you!

Sitting a dark room with a huge wide screen in front of you enjoying the latest film has become one of America’s past times. The movie theaters are a place to become free from the stresses of everyday life and lose yourself in a false reality for a couple of hours. Since the year 2000 the average price of movie tickets has increase from $5.39 to $6.88 in the year 2007 and estimated to rise even more for the 2008 year.

Due to this dramtic increase in the cost to see a movie in theaters I usually opt to wait for a movie to come out on DVD then rent it and have a movie night with some friends. Although I enjoy seeing movies in theaters, it is far to expensive to see all the movies I want to see there. Unless I just really want to see a movie in theaters, I wait until it comes out on DVD. The development of home theater systems makes this experience more enjoyable than it used to be so you can lose yourself in a movie at home almost as easily as you can when seeing a movie in the theater.

I am definitely a big fan of watching movies at home with a group of friends rather than dealing with all the crowds and obnoxious people at the movie theaters. Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the theaters sometimes, I find it to be a fun thing for an intimate group of people or the family, just not something I am interested in doing all the time.

             As thousands of movies are created in both the US and around the world every year, producers are constantly searching for new stories and fresh ways to tell the tales.  In such a large market, what distinguishes a movie?  If I were a Hollywood producer, there are three qualities I would cultivate in my films.

            First, I would search for original stories or hire a writer to create them.  After about one hundred years of movies, audiences have already seen all the basic story lines.  As a result, they will be attracted to fresh and inventive narratives.  The original Star Wars movie was an enormous hit largely because of its creativity and originality.  Consumers today are also searching for ingenuity in movies.

            Second, I would seek to promote quality acting.  As technology advances, many producers allow special effects to overshadow acting.  This is a mistake.  The actor is the only person “in direct contact with the audience.”  Audiences can only relate to other humans – the actors.  Relating to special effects is impossible.  Star Wars demonstrates this too.  Because technology was somewhat limited in the 70s and 80s when the first three movies were filmed, superior acting propelled them.  When the other three Star Wars movies were created in the late 90s and early 2000s, advanced technology should have launched the newer films beyond the originals in overall quality, but it didn’t.  The new movies were so fixated on special effects that poor acting was tolerated.  Even if a movie has a phenomenal story line and spectacular effects, the acting will define it.

            Third, I would seek to create wholesome films.  Audiences today have been tricked into believing that a comedy is only funny with crude humor, that an action/adventure film is only complete when blood and guts have been spilt, and that a movie is not “realistic” unless it contains a profusion of profanity.  This is simply not the case.  Once again, Star Wars proved it.  Filled with adventure, action, comedy, and romance, none of the films contains blood or crude humor, and all six kept profanity at a minimum.  A movie can be thoroughly enjoyable without vulgarity.

            With a thriving market for movies in America today, audiences have a plethora of choices.  They will gravitate toward quality.  As a producer, I would seek to promote inventive stories, excellent acting, and wholesome entertainment.  These qualities would draw consumers irresistibly toward my movies.

Moviemakers of today seem to be caught up in a rut.  The majority of the movies made in the past few years are not worth watching, simply because there is not much of a serious plot or story line being told.   Moviegoers have become so infatuated with stupid humor that it is unreal.  I keep wondering to myself, how many more dumb movies can they make starring Will Ferrell?  Does the man ever play a serious role?  It is sad that Americans find such joy and entertainment from something so mindless and vulgar. 

Comedy used to be an enjoyable form of television, until society marred its original format.  Nowadays, people do not think anything is funny unless it has some rude crude or sexual connotation to it.  Look at the Three Stooges, Laurel and Hardy, and Abbott and Costello for instance; these were successful comedy teams who were all about making films that made people laugh, which they excelled in, all without using profanity, drug reference, or sex-related humor to do so.  I believe if the pioneers of comedic television could see what we have made comedy out to be today, they would be appalled at what we transformed comedy into.  I understand that times have changed, and what used to make us laugh isn’t so funny anymore, and our idea of what is considered humorous has changed; but are we supposed to accept that, and rationalize the transformation of tastes by saying the times have changed?  Comedy has not changed; our perception of comedy has changed.  The innocence and purity of comedy has vanished, and has been replaced by America’s love for crude and vile humor.

The lack of good clean comedy in movies today is evident. I believe that there is a strong market for good comedy, just not too many providers in the market to supply the need. If I was a film producer, I would put my money to good use to fund more comedic movies that families can enjoy watching together, not some off-color comedy that parents are afraid to let their kids see.  Today’s comedy films have strayed too far from their roots.  If they could clean up their act, and take a little direction from themselves in the early years, they might open up themselves to a totally different viewing audience.

To this day, I can still remember the first time i seen a horror movie in theaters. It was probably one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I was 6 years old, somehow I was sitting inside the theater about to watch what was one of the scariest movies to this day.

The movie was Leprechaun 4, In space. At first the movie wasn’t really all that scary, but as the Leprechaun appeared on the big screen I felt the hair on my neck stand up. Just the look of the Leprechaun terrified me. Right from the start I could tell that I didn’t want to be sitting in there. 

Because of the incident of seeing the rated R horror thriller twelve years ago, the Leprechaun still tests my luck at watching any of the Leprechaun series. The short, hideous, little green devil that goes around savagely murdering anyone who steals from his gold coin bucket is by far the ugliest creature you will ever set your eyes on when your are six years old. 

I have no idea how I even got in to see a rated R movie at the age of six. It could be because I was with my parents, but they shouldn’t let kids go in to watch horror movies that young.

Let’s watch a movie.  Man, that’s a general answer to the common question of “What are we doing tonight?”  It seems as though everyone enjoys watching movies, no matter the place or time.  Some people prefer going to the theaters and others like staying at home, but I for one like either option for different reasons.  All movies are great whether you have never seen them or maybe you know every line, it doesn’t matter you still get a thrill out of watching them.  All movie really appeals to me, but sports and comedy movies are at the top of my list.  There are certain sports movies that I have watch a hundred times, but the next time I watch them will still be the best. 

I generally go to movie theaters for the big new release, which means I usually go 2-3 times a month.  The thrill of seeing the movie on the big screen and not really knowing what is going to happen is what brings me back the next time.  I really enjoy going with friends and seeing their reactions to certain parts of the movie.  Going to the theater is awesome, but there are also downsides to it as well.  People crunching their popcorn or people trying talk on their phones during the movie can really take away from the movie theater experiences.  Also if you have to use the restrooms, you have to miss part of the movie, whereas if you are at home then you can just stop the movie until you get back.  Staying at home is also appealing to me because I like to be at home where it’s quiet and I am in my own surroundings.  Also, as I stated earlier, you can watch the movie when you want to instead of when it is playing in the theater.  The only downside to renting a movie is that you have to return it in a few days after rental.  That doesn’t sound like much, but with the way gas prices are today, another trip in the car is not needed.  Going to the theater and renting a movie are both fun to me, but if I had to pick one, it would be going to the theater to see the new release. There is nothing like seeing a movie that you have no clue what is about to happen in the next scene and being able to enjoy it with your friends.    

Movies have always been a very fun escape for me.  I have an amazing movie collection, most of which are award-winning films. I pride myself in that and enjoy finding new movies to watch.  I probably watch around three movies a week, give or take.   Afterward, I review the movies at a blog I host.  To me, movies are an amazing way of releasing creativity, and a way of sharing creativity with the director.  Its your chance to see their vision.

The reason I prefer to see movies on DVD, is not that it is cheaper, because I only see movies I know I will like, so I buy them first. I personally own somewhere in the range or 300 DVDs, collected over various times (however I have my “award-winning” films in a seperate collection together).  But I find that having DVD’s is easier.  With DVD’s, you can watch it anytime you like, with anyone you like, and as many times as you like.

You can create a “cinema-like” experience easily, by dimming the lights, throwing in a couple screaming babies, immature talking teenagers, cell-phone conversations from the person sitting behind you… the oppurtunities are endless. However, with DVD’s you are in control, you control what you see, and what you miss.

In the opening scene for the movie Casino, Robert De Niro gets blown up.  Sorry to ruin the suprise.  If you zoom in (slow-motion optional) you will see the exact frame where De Niro is switched with a dummy.  You would not notice this in a theater.

However, in Garden State, Zach Braff states in the commentary that the graverobbing scene actaully made movie-watchers at the premier openly and loudly gasp.  He did not expect that.  I would have loved to have experienced such energy in a theater setting- where people respect the movies too much to leave or talk or interrupt.  You miss the “gasp effect,” if you will, with the DVD.  But at the same time, Braff tells you how he performed some of the shots (the bathroom mirror scene)

DVD’s also give you the experience of reading in depth reviews.  Critics such as Roger Ebert will critique the majority of movies that are released, but one professional opinion doesn’t help sometimes.  Opinions can differ greatly.  Waiting for DVD release allows such sites as IMDb.com to collect votes and reviews from others that have seen it.

There are many different preferences, I personally like to experience as much of the movie as possible, without much of the theater experience, because, simply put- films are so much more than mindless entertainment, but years of creative thought from people who deserve more than competing with a talking couple two rows back.

If I had to choose to go to the movies or rent a movie I would choose to rent a movie. I would prefer to rent a movie and watch it at home because you can be in the comfort of your own home. It is so much easier to watch a movie at your house because you can pause it if you need to use the restroom or get something to drink. It is so much cheaper to rent a movie than to go to the movie theatre. Usually a movie ticket is $10, if you get popcorn and a drink that’s another $10. If you rent a movie it’s about $4. I don’t go to the movies that often because it is so expensive. In the last 2 months I’ve been to the movie theatre 3 times which is more than usual. I go to the movies when my friends and I want to go out, or when I think that a movie looks really good and I can’t wait to see it. I rent movies a lot more often. During the weekends I like to rent movies and watch them with my friends. I’d say that I probably rent at least one movie a week. I definitely prefer to rent a movie than to go to the movie theatre.

“So, what do you want to do now?” That is such a common question, and it is asked almost every day. Whenever you are hanging out with friends, going on a date with your boyfriend or girlfriend, or just wanting to relax and be entertained, watching a movie is almost always the answer. I am one of millions of people who enjoy this pastime. I love watching movies! I love going to the Movie Theater and watching movies at home. I can watch a movie from beginning to end or break it up in parts. I love action, thrillers, suspense, horror, drama, comedy, romance, etc. I would rather watch a movie than a show on TV!

I probably go to the movie theater about 3-4 times a month, sometimes more! I rarely rent movies on DVD/video. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I am in college now. It is easier and more fun to actually go see a movie on the big screen than to rent the same movie, only to return it a few days later. Seeing a movie in theaters involves the unexpected and the thrill of seeing it for the first time.  Renting a movie can be a second viewing for some people; however, many people bypass the theater and watch a movie when they can rent it on DVD/video. Regardless of their reason for renting the movie, they still have to return it. That is why my preferred action is to experience the movie on the big screen and then if I enjoyed the movie, buy it when the movie comes out on DVD/video. If it is truly a movie that you love and would enjoy watching over and over again, buy it so that you can watch it at home whenever you feel the need for a little fun and entertainment!

The movies a place for freedom from the everyday life and also a place for a temporary rest, or at least it used to be. The movie theater has now become a huge monster that will eat your hard earned money without thinking twice. It’s getting to a point now where going to the movie theater has become a special occasion for some families. The average ticket price for a movie has increased dramatically from five dollars and thirty nine cent in the year two thousand to a whopping six dollars and eighty eight cent in two thousand seven.

With that being said I’m proud to say that, despite how old this may make me sound, I’m more than happy to wait for a movie to come out on DVD. This option is much less expensive and now with the all different types of home theater systems that people have in their houses the video quality and sound are equal if not the same as a theater. Also another plus for waiting on movies to appear at your local blockbuster is that you can watch them in the comfort of your own home and the majority of rentals now come with no late fees.

Needless to say I’m an advocate for watching movies at home with friends instead of with hundreds of people I’ve never seen before. Don’t take that the wrong way though the movie theater still holds a special in my heart. It’s a great place to spend time with the family, if you can make through all the obnoxious conversations going on behind you.

It was the year 1999- I was ten years old, about to start my first year of middle school. I can remember seeing commercials for weeks. Commercials that told me this movie was too mature for a kid my age. Even the rating, “R”, made it clear that I was too young to watch this movie. This did not stop me. Instead, I became anxious to see it- American Pie.

The film concentrates on four boys who make a pact to lose their virginity before their high school graduation.  Each boy approaches this challenge differently. The whole suspense in the movie is who is going to “get lucky” by prom night.

I can remember my brother, who was 16 at the time, renting the movie. After my mom had gone to bed we sat down to watch this much anticipated film. I was paranoid the entire movie. I feared my mom waking up.  Every little movement we heard we turned the channel. It was clear that we were overcome with guilt. We knew that this movie was far beyond our maturity level. After about half an hour I could not bear to watch it any longer.

There may be some funny clips throughout the movie, but overall I was too naïve at the time to fully understand it. This movie that I had waited to see quickly lost its excitement.  I learned a lot about the purpose of ratings and why I should abide by them. In a span of 30 minutes I learned things that a child should not be exposed to. Until this day, I still regret watching that movie at such a young age.

In Variety magazine, the week’s top 3 movies internationally are as follows; The Eagle Eye, Nights in Rodanthe, and Lakeview Terrace.  The Eagle Eye is a drama about two of the country’s most wanted fugitives working together, featuring the well known actor Shia LaBeouff.   Nights in Rodanthe is a love story written by Nicholas Sparks which takes place in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Lastly, Lakeview Terrace is a cop movie written about a police officer who disapproves of his neighbor’s interracial marriage.  All three of these movies take place in the United States, giving our country a significant impact in global culture.

Because of the world-wide popularity of movies made in America, our country plays an important role in culture around the world.  For example, viewers in other countries take note of the clothing American actors are wearing on the big screen, and make it a point to include such style into their wardrobe.  This causes a global popularity rise in American labels.  Movie-goers in other countries may also get a taste of the American way of life by attending American-made movies.  This leads to a culture-conversion, causing people in other cultures to develop habits and pass-times of Americans.  Finally, movie viewers from other countries will see products that are being used by American actors in movies.  Often times, a company will pay to have their product shown in a film.  This advertising simply makes their product more popular world-wide.  

The popularity of American movies in other countries makes our countries belief’s and values better understood around the world.  This popularity can do nothing but help our citizens.  If people in other countries understand how we live our day to day life, they will be more likely to work well with us in political and social positions.  The role of US movies truly do play an important role in global culture.

Some of my earliest memories are of movies. Most of them took place while watching movies in a theater. I still go to movie theaters on a regular basis today. Going to movies has changed drastically for me over the past ten years. Back then, I would go to see a movie with a group of friends. We wouldnt go unless there was a movie being shown which was appealing to the whole group. Most of my trips to the theater now are either with a small group of friends or on a date. The movies I see have gone from being entertaining to just sometimes entertaining.

If given the choice between going to the movie theater or renting a DVD, I am sometimes torn. I like the atmosphere and the social aspect of going to the theater. I also like the fact that I dont have to wait on a movie to come out on DVD by going to the theater. There are also things I like about renting a DVD. Some things I like about renting a DVD is the freedom which comes with it. When I rent a DVD I can view it whenever I want and in the privacy of my house. I dont have to drive to the theater and go through any trouble. This is probably why I enjoy watching a DVD more.

As a high school student, I used to love going to the movies.  Since I didn’t have a license at the time, I’d beg my mom to drop me off and come back later to pick me up.  I usually went to the movies on Saturdays around eight or nine o’clock because that’s when everyone went.  It didn’t really matter what was playing, I really just went to hang out with some friends.  I can recall times that I went to the movies just to chill and not even catch a flick.

Now-a-days, I rarely go to the movies.  For one reason, movies are very expensive and on top of that you have to pay for high-priced snacks.  As a college student, it makes more sense for me to stay home and save what little money I do have.  Besides, I can buy a DVD from Amazon.com at a lower price and be able to watch the movie more than once.  Even if I pay twenty dollars for a DVD, I can still watch it more than once and enjoy its extra features.

When I’m at school, I normally watch TV movies, but when I’m home all I watch is DVDs.  My mother rents DVDs all the time and they’re not even new movies.  In my home town, we have a Family Video and we’re able to rent or buy movies at very low prices.  My mom can rent three or four DVDs for the price of one movie ticket.  Not only is it much cheaper than movie tickets for four, but it gives my family the freedom to watch whenever it’s convenient. 

Movie theaters and DVDs work well for different situations.  Theaters are for more formal situations such as dates.  All though it’s dark, it’s safer for people on first dates.  At this point, you don’t know this person very well and it’s better for you to be in a public place.  That way if there’s a chance of a dangerous situation, there will be others around.  DVDs are for more intimate settings like slumber parties or family night.  Home viewing allows you to be closer to each other and be as loud as you want.  It also gives you the power to pause to go to the restroom or refill snack and drinks. 

I personally prefer watching DVDs at home.  I like being in control of what I’m watching.  I also like having snacks I don’t have to pay a super high price for.  I can also watch more that one movie.  I’m able to enjoy as many movies I want for free.  I only go the movie theater when there’s something I just can’t wait to see; I haven’t had that problem in a few years.  Not only are DVDs better, but they are a good investment if you’re really into movies. They can become priceless classics.

The United States’ many forms of communication have major impacts on the rest of the world. One major form that plays a big role with the rest of the global community is movies. The United States is considered a role model if you will to the rest of the world. It is a place of freedom and democracy and other nations should look up to it, and try to be more like it. In return the states should also try to be a good role model and stand up to its reputation. Variety Magazine lists Eagle Eye, Nights in Rodanthe, and Lakeview Terrace as the top grossing movies for the week of September 26th. All three of these movies were produced in the U.s. and are being showed all over the globe, they represent the U.s. and it’s values.

With so many movies coming out of the Americas, it is hard to predict which ones will be box office hits. I think that producers and executives have the free right to show whatever they choose, but i also think that they should actually have some pride in their work and actually give it some sort of quality. There are so many movies out there that show the ignorant side of America. Napoleon Dynamite, Juno, Strange Wilderness,and the Scary Movie trilogys are just a few of the pointless no-plot crap that have been produced over the last few years. The U.S. has a very significant role in the raising and shaping of other cultures around the world, and therefor we should try to reduce the production of crap and increase the production of quality movies with deep plots and good actors!

In today’s society, movies are a big deal. Movies have come a long way over time, and the way that they are produced and sold is very amazing in itself. The question that is being asked of me though is how do I like to watch my movies, or where do I go to watch my movies? I love to watch a variety of movies, but for the most part, I love to watch comedy movies. Movies in today’s world are advertised enough so that people not only in America, but around the world see these advertisements. When I see a preview of a movie on television that appeals to me, I usually go and see that particular movie. On average, I go and see a new movie at the movie theater about once a month. Once a movie has gone from the movie theaters to DVD, I usually go and rent it. I love going to blockbuster and renting movies with my girlfriend, friends, and family. On a monthly basis, I usually rent about two to three movies a month. If I had to choose between going to the movie theater and watching a brand new movie or renting a new release at blockbuster, I would have to say that I would prefer renting a movie more.

Variety magazine states the three most popular movies worldwide for September 26-October 2, 2008.  Eagle Eye, Nights in Rodanthe, and Lakeview Terrace have grossed the most money for this week.  All of these movies were produced out of Hollywood, the “movie capital of the world”.  Hollywood movies play a significant role in global culture because they set the standard for how other movies should be made.  Film producers outside of Hollywood, look to those movies for certain standards in movie editing, producing, and special effects.  Without the high tech movies that Hollywood produces, movies produced from other countries, would not have a standard to go by. 

Today, one can be in London watching Batman:  The Dark Knight while someone else is across the globe watching the same movie.  The US film industry has found a way to expand the American culture worldwide by sharing our movies with other countries.  These movies are shaping the perception and dreams of citizens by influencing values, beliefs, and ideas.   The world is changing economically, politically, and culturally, and movies are playing a significant role in these changes.  Their stories circulate ideas, information, and images throughout the world, overcoming boundaries of space and time.

US movies such as Gangs of New York and Team America:  World Police are negatively affecting our global society.  They show destruction of local traditions, subordination of poor nations, and environmental destruction.  This type of movie is the kind that needs to be regulated so as not to show the US as a dominating, overbearing society.

Independence Day, Hotel Rwanda, and movies like these are examples of US movies that are positively affecting the world. They show hope and unity among humanity.  Movies such as these show progress and improvement.

Movies are redefining culture both locally and nationally and the role of US movies should continue in this effort.  Culture used to provide local identities, practices, and modes of life.  Now culture around the world has changed so all nations can become more like each other, promoting equality between nations.

So many movies today tell great stories and are very entertaining. But Hollywood seems to think that people won’t go to see them unless they fill them with tons of crude language, sex, or gruesome violence – sometimes all three in one movie.  As a movie producer, I would want to make action pictures, thrillers, comedies, and any other good story but without adding in all the unnecessary language, violence, and sex. I’m not saying I’d only put out G rated children’s films. I know that the public, myself included, wants exciting, interesting, funny, and thought provoking movies to go see and those are the movies I’d make. I just wouldn’t fill them with the junk that many movies have. On top of keeping the variety of genres, I would also add more family movies with a powerful message.  We know that these movies sell tickets just as Facing the Giants did, a movie about faith and hope put out by a church in Georgia. It was so commercially successful that they have another movie out right now in theaters about strengthening marriage called Fireproof. I would use the box office numbers of those movies to prove that my company could be successful putting out family oriented films by a big studio.

The changes I would make in what we see at the movies would not really be in the kind of movies (the genres), it would be in the content of those movies.  It seems the powers that be in Hollywood only put most of the sex, language, and excessive violence in the movies just because they think it would get an R rating and that would sell more tickets. I know that I could be successful by making cleaner movies but with all the interest and box office draw of many of the R rated movies that are out today.  If Hollywood is all about making money, and we all know it is, then just looking at the Top 30 all time grossing movies in the US proves my point. Of these 30 movies that sold the most tickets, (2) were rated G, (9) were rated PG, (18) were rated PG-13, and just (1) was rated R. That R rated movie was The Passion of the Christ and was rated R because of the realistic violence shown that happened to Christ at His crucifixion. R rated movies are not the big box office sellers and I would feel justified as a producer or executive to stop putting them out to the public.  I love movies and I would work hard to put out great films that aren’t filled with trash. I know the public would support those kinds of movies.

Rules are made to be broken, right? We have all disobeyed our parents, we have all lied and we have all done things we are not suppose to. That is just apart of life and growing up. Sometime was get away with things and many times we don’t.  So, when I got busted for watching something I was told not to, I was already anticipating capital punishment.

                Before I go any further, let me let you know who my parents are. Both my parents were in the military. My mother was a marine and my father was a navy seal. Referencing this aspect of parents, lets you know that they are the “good American citizens”. They represented the country therefore they abide by its rules (and of course expect the same from me).  Which also lets you know that they respect, understand and obey authority (which, of course, was taught to me). They also believe in discipline! Not only are they militant, both of them have acquired Bachelors Degrees and other schooling, I don’t understand. This means they are not as ignorant as I thought they were at one time. Last, but not least, they are Christians, my mother is a Minister. So imagine what my life was like growing up. Yet, as most children do, I had to learn by trial and era not to mess with my parents.

                I was 7 years old and I was not allowed to watch The Power Rangers. My parents felt that it was not a good show for their daughters to watch. Why? I do not remember, but one day my peers were talking about it in class. Of course I couldn’t admit that I had never seen not one episode, let alone the movie! I asked my best friend if I could borrow her movie. She said yes and so I did what any child would do. I took it home and popped it in the VCR. I tried to be slick about it. Every time I heard someone coming up the stairs, I’d change the channel rather quickly. The movie was getting to its climax and I completely forgot about my surroundings. It wasn’t until I heard my dad cough that my memory came back to me. I hated to look back, but I did. When I did, both of my parents were looking at me with their arms crossed. Just so you know, that’s not a good feeling. To make a long story short, the movie got returned and I never wanted to watch The Power Rangers after my never-ending punishment.

According to the book “Media and Culture”, that “dating back to the late 1800’s, American films have had a substantial social and cultural impact on society.” With the creation of these films we now have nickelodeons also known as the Greek word for theater. Basically, these nickelodeons are places that you can go to watch a movie, but have to pay a fee to watch them. People today call nickelodeons “movie theaters”.   When one goes to a movie theater today you will see many people viewing the screen as if they were in the movie themselves. Whether it’s crying, laughing, screaming or cheering people love gazing at the screen and becoming emotional attached; it makes the experience so much enjoyable. Some of these films could be called narrative films which “create worlds that engaged an audience’s imagination. Some people will be seen going to movie theaters numerous times a week, once a week, once a month and some will only go once a year. It just depends if they choose to see a movie when it premiers or if they would rather wait and watch it when it comes out on VHS/DVD. If I was asked how much I go to movie theaters today, I would say I only go when a movie comes out that I want to see. I judge that by seeing what genre or category the movie fits into. For example, I like to see romantic comedies, dramas, and mystery or suspense. I will usually watch the previews to movies and see if they are worth going to watch. There are those times though that I will go to the movie theater thinking that I am about to watch a terrific movie but it ends out being horrible. Those are such time-wasters!

It is stated in “Media and Culture” that “just as nickelodeons, movie palaces, and drive-ins transformed movie exhibition in earlier times, the videocassette transformed contemporary movie exhibition.” Another fact I read in “Media and Culture” states that more than 50 percent of domestic revenue for Hollywood studios comes from the video/DVD rental and sales markets and people prefer to stay at home and watch them instead of front of the mega screen with surround sound.” I will usually rent movies a lot because I will go to the video store to see what is out and I will see movies that I have been interested in for a while now.  I tend to rent movies more over rather than buy them or go see them at a movie theater on its debut date. It is more convenient time wise for one thing and it is the better pricing. The only disadvantage is you have to wait to see the movie that you really want to see to come out on VHS/DVD. Most people have their own opinion on what they like to do, but I prefer to rent movies and watch them on my own time and pay less.

Movies are rated according to the audiences they will appeal to.   As a seven year old child the R rated movie “People Under the Stairs” probably wasn’t suitable for me.  Although my parents didn’t know the mischief I was up to when watching this movie, they found out sooner than later.  Watching my first scary movie I sat on the couch shaking in fear, scared to get up, for I feared “my imagination” kept me paranoid about what was around the next corner.  I knew I would get in trouble, but inside I was hoping my mother would catch me so I wouldn’t have to walk down the long, dark, creepy, never ending hallway on my own.  The effect of that movie didn’t just last throughout the night, but it continued to haunt me in my dreams as well.  I would wake up several times during the night with visions of the wicked people, which were kept under the stairs.  Several nights I found myself crawling in bed with my parents, because there was no way I was going to fall back asleep by myself, in my mysterious room.   As a curious seven year old I knew I shouldn’t have watched the movie my parents wouldn’t approve of.  I quickly realized exactly why I shouldn’t watch the horrific film and paid the ultimate price.  Nothing would erase the monster like creatures imbedded into my seven year old brain and continued to haunt me for several months. 

With a huge screen in front of me in a big dark room, surround sound and friends sitting around me. Nothing is better than going to the movies. With so many different options of theaters and movie genres to pick from there is only one way to experience the movies. And that is at a theater. With all the different ways to rent movies such as Blockbuster, Netflix, and ECT… people miss the glitz and glamour of the movies. Everything about the movie theaters is to make one enjoy the movie and, experience it as a piece of art, not so much a movie. One example is the movie Cloverfield, with its huge sound and cinematography; one can only enjoy it in a movie theater. Yes movie tickets are at an all time high and the snack bar is over priced but the experience is twice as good as watching it on a TV. At home.

Hearing the smacking of people eating with their mouth open, kids kicking the back of your chair, sticky floors, having to miss the movie to go to the bathroom, putting a dent in your wallet for junk food and one ticket, and super loud sound that gives you a headache, summons up an experience for me in the movie theater. I rarely go to the movie theaters these days; I would estimate that I go to the theater eight times a year . I mainly go if it is on a date or for an event like a birthday. I prefer to rent movies with friends or family.

Some enjoy the big screen and imagining themselves as the main actors in the film. On the other hand, others like me, would rather be comfortable in their own home. I like to have the capability of pausing a movie, making my own snacks, and have more friends around. I probably rent or borrow a DVD at least once a week. As a college student, I prefer that method for cheap entertainment. Especially because it is hard for six to ten people to decide to go see the same movie at theater when they know they are spending nine dollars for it. I would surmise that I care more about my wallet and comfort then seeing a movie right when it comes out with all the fancy screens and sounds systems.