A Simple Guide To Enjoying Movies In Freehold

We recently went to the movies to see Scream 4 and it got me thinking about the many tactics for having a successful movie outing. The following is a handy list.

Avoid Movie Theater Lines Forever
There is no good reason to stand in line to buy tickets at movie theaters. You can purchase online or at the theater hours or days before the actual movie. Don't get stuck in line. Of course, if everyone eventually follows this advice there won't be any lines so then you can stand in line. Until everyone figures that out then you'll be....oh nevermind. Buy your tickets in advance or online.

The Hundred Person Movie Theory
We went to see Scream 4 in a theater full of hundreds of people because if you're going to watch horror movies this is really the only way to fully enjoy them. It's kind of like a seesaw precariously balanced. You know that you're safe and sound from a masked killer because you’re in a big group but you can also feel the fear in the theater rise and fall in waves and gasps. It is because there is very little inherent danger in going to see a movie that you can totally surrender and allow yourself to be completely scared.

A movie you would have watched on DVD just won't be as scary or thrilling or even funny as it is in a big group of people. If you really want to enjoy a movie see it at the theater.

Through the Out Door: Advanced Movie Seating
My friend John is a bit of a pioneer in the art of watching movies at the theater. One of his most prized tips will get you a good seat almost every time. Most entrances to individual movie theaters have two ways you can get in, the right side and left side. The trick here is to go in the opposite side than everyone else. So if you see a bunch of people ahead of you going right (usually the case), you cut to the left side entrance.

Most people will go in the same side depending on the location of the theater leaving the other side with lots of empty seats.

Eat, Drink Before, Not During
A lot of people will disagree because for them popcorn and fountain soda are part of the experience. That's cool, but I prefer to eat a light meal before a movie and go easy on the drinks. Typically we don't buy a drink or food at the theater. I'd rather be totally absorbed in the movie and not have to worry about pesky body stuff like going to the bathroom or that sick feeling you get from finishing a large popcorn before the movie has even started.

Enjoy The Ride
Movies are a great way to leave your boring old self and circumstances behind for a few hours. It's like placing your mind on a mental rollercoaster. Don't think about other stuff. Lose yourself and enjoy the fictional ups and downs. Save any criticism or comments till after the movie. In other words, don’t think so much and allow yourself to enjoy the ride.

Avoid Opening Night and Weekends
This tip is optional. Sometimes you just have to see a movie the night it comes out (make sure you buy tickets in advance). But it’s a lot less stressful if you catch it a week or so after it opens or on a weeknight. Freehold AMC is open seven days a week, usually from late morning to pretty late at night.

All these tactics and tips if used together will create an optimal movie experience for you and your fellow moviegoers. Use wisely!

AMC Loews Freehold is located at 101 Trotters Way in the Freehold Mall.