5 tips to get the most out of your next movie

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Movies! We love them!

In the summertime, Hollywood brings out the big box office heavy hitters ... and especially during a long holiday weekend.

Film critic, David Ramsey, from The Snack Bar offers five tips to get more enjoyment from your movie-going experience:

1. Don't wait in line
Don't wait in the long ticket lines especially during the summer.

Every theatre has an automated ticket machine located next to the box office and on the inside near customer service. Use your credit or debit card to save time.

You can also buy tickets online, allowing you to walk right in.

2. Avoid the crowds
When you decide to go see the latest blockbuster on opening weekend, pick an "off time" before 6 p.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid the biggest crowds.

And you can save money because Harkins offers a discounted matinee price for shows starting before 6 p.m.

If you wait a week or two, the crowds will be down, however, there is nothing like the energy of a crowded opening weekend.

3. Sweet deals
The snack bar offers a few deals that can make dinner and a movie at the theatre reasonable.

Harkins has refillable cups that you buy for the price of a large drink, take it home with you and bring it back for a $1 refill for the entire year.

You can also get a free medium popcorn when you purchase a Harkins T-shirt and wear it when you to the movies.

And just about everyone offers a free refill on their large sodas and popcorn - take it home for later.

At many Harkins Theatres they serve hot food. The individual pizzas are very good and reasonably priced.

A theatre hot dog is always a treat and the soft pretzels are very tasty. And don't forget to put the M & M's in your popcorn for a sweet and salty treat.

4. The hot seats
When you enter a crowded theatre there tends to be a clump of people going up the nearest stairs to get the best stadium seats, go past them to the far side.

You will find more good seats on the other side -- don't follow the crowd. Another thing to look for is the speaker placement, sit in the row between them if you find action films too loud.

If you get cold in a movie look for and avoid the air conditioning vents. The best seats are in the middle of the rows about half way up.

I prefer to sit with a railing in front of me but those seats are at premium and there can be more interruptions as people walk in front of you.

5. Bathroom break
Once you have your seat, make sure you go to the restroom about ten minutes before the feature starts.

You may miss a trailer but it's better than squirming in your seat through the last half hour of the movie.  That large drink can have its drawbacks.
 
If you have to use the restroom after the movie, you know how crowded they can be.  Instead of waiting in line walk across the lobby and use the restroom on the other side of the theatre where there is usually no waiting.

Make sure you silence your cell phone, sit back and enjoy the film!