I have always loved movies and "film". The difference being, "film" is generally what you see in the theatre, has an arty connotation and is the actual product the visuals are imprinted on. Movies can be "film", "video" or DVD. "Video" is "film" transferred onto videotape and "DVD" (digital video disk) is digital videotape transferred onto disc. The quality of DVD is better than videotape because it is digitally processed and duplicates film. A DVD also has five to six tracks of sound so the viewing experience can be equal to watching a "film" in a theatre depending upon your equipment. In theatres equipped, DVD is actually shown for viewing purposes. It is interesting to note that the DVD you purchase is the exact same DVD they show in the theatre.

I probably view three to four "films" weekly. I try and go to all different styles of genre, choosing movies only by title, but I must admit I am greatly swayed by foreign films. Probably because I have no idea what the title means until I see the film.

The first reason you must ascertain is why are you going to the movies. Are you going to escape from reality or learn something? Do you want to watch people in more dire straights than yourself to wallow in your own self pity or do you want to laugh yourself silly and remember that there is a silver lining in every thunderhead? Are you taking children or older adults that can be easily offended? There is usually several different genres opening every Friday at your local theatre.

Your next challenge is: Is it appropriate? Look at the ratings of the film. There is an explanation of these ratings usually in the review guide of the Sunday paper. Remember to use these ratings as a guideline. You have to decide for yourself if vulgar language, sexually explicit loves scenes or gratuitous violence is appropriate. Gratuitous is one of "Hollywoods" favorite additives. Personally I feel these added scenes detract from the story. As long as the scene or dialogue is true to the character and is something they would do or how they would act I approve and feel it is not necessary to try to appeal to a wider range of moviegoers. The gratuitous scene generally fails.

Next decide what genre or kind of film do you want to see. Action, action/adventure, fantasy, comedy, love story, "chick flick", gratuitous action, "dick flick", children's, true life story. It's like going to the library. What do you like to read? Another reason I like foreign films is because I love to read.

You're just about ready to search for the times of showings, but there is one more thing you could do if you want. Take a chance and go with your instinct or you can ask friends, or you can read reviews. I find the most reliable method is to take a chance. Pauline Kael a movie critic who has written many books on film is quoted as saying, "A good critic helps people understand more about the work than they could see for themselves; he is a great critic, if by his understanding and feeling for his work, by his passion, he can excite people so that they want to experience more of the art that is there, waiting to be seized." I concur wholeheartedly. However rarely and I do mean rarely have I read a review that has made me want to go see a certain movie or if I did I was sorely disappointed. A reason to read reviews is to try and ascertain if a film is appropriate and what is the story line. As I mentioned before, I prefer to be surprised, I tend to be more open-minded.

There are many ways to evaluate or enjoy a film. Here are some ideas when the story line just isn't doing it for you or to watch for to make the film an even greater experience.

1. How technically sophisticated is the film? Does it utilize the full potential of the medium or is it obvious they needed a larger budget for the special effects?
   
2. How powerful is the star's performance?
   
3. How does the film reflect the philosophy, personality, and artistic vision of the director?
   
4. How worthwhile or significant is the statement made by the film? Does it make you think?
   
5. How effective is the film as an emotional or sensual experience? (My personal favorite. If it makes you laugh and cry, it's a great film.)
   
6. How well does the film conform to the patterns of its genre and what variations or innovations does it introduce to that format?
   
7. Does it have good production value? Is the location interesting? Does it take you to a place you generally do not or can not go?
   
8. Costumes.
   
9. Photography.
   

This is what the Academy Awards are given for and you will begin to see that most Academy Award films have these qualities. It may take you two or three times watching a film to develop your skills and catch all of the esoteric references that make a good film even greater. But most importantly just go and enjoy the film. When you find one that you really like, go and purchase the poster or "one sheet" if you can find it, have it framed and hang it up on your OOK picture hook to remind you of a wonderful experience.