by Christine Mcdermott

Created on: July 10, 2009   Last Updated: July 13, 2009

What a treat! You have decided to go see a movie at the movie theatre, instead of watching a DVD rental, as usual, like every other night. If you are part of the struggling middle class (and who isn't), you have kept hidden in that secret part of your wallet, just enough money to pay your way in, and then stand in line for a Kiddie Combo. This will be the first Friday night in weeks (okay, it has really been a month) since you have gone out.

But uh-oh, what movie? How will you choose? Your neighborhood malls have two theatres in the area, each with 10 theatres. You must be able to narrow it down to just one movie! How are you going to decide? Oh, that's right, when you were reading the paper last Sunday, it mentioned that the romantic comedy you wanted to see would be playing. What else runs through your mind...oh, the action movie that has been playing in the theatre for a long time must be good...this academy award-winning movie just started but I don't know anything about it...

How do we choose which movie to see? With a little help from our friends the critic and the reviewer. Not necessarily our best friends, maybe, but someone to hash over the decision-making process with. Whether we read about a movie (articles, etc.), or see someone on TV (shows, etc.) or just watch the previews somewhere, our interest is piqued.

Movie critics and reviewers - some speak their mind, some write it down. We soak it all in and subconsciously our brain stores it. The decision-making process has engaged. Each of us may not know anything about a movie and still choose to go see it. However, as soon as we see or read just one thing about just one movie, it definitely has an impact on us. The more you read and see, the more informed you are. Sometimes a rating system is included as a visual to help identify the movie's quality (stars or numbers, etc.). The information usually given is about the characters, the story line, other specific tidbits, plus if the film is good or bad. Along with the other stuff you learn about the movie, the thing to remember is that it is their opinion...an opinion...just an opinion.

As to How much do you value movie critics and reviews? Going to the movie uninformed is fine, however, for a really good time...know your facts. Then you'll figure out that Rosemary's Baby is not a kid's movie, that Bewitched is not scary, and the "Saw" movies are not about a guy who does home improvement. You'll know whether the movie had promise, was a surprise, or really a bomb. You'll find out what the movie is about, as well as, knowing how good or bad it might end up to be. Go to a movie even if you disagree with what you've learned about the movie scene for the weekend, but be prepared to...form your own opinion. (Remember, we're going out on Friday, the first time in a month). Knowledge is power.

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