movie hopping

used to be one of my favorite past times. back home i'd pretty much perfected the art of seeing roughly 4 movies in one day for less than $6. most people worry that they'll get caught. there are two three things to know to know to avoid worry or being caught.

1. pick the right theater. some theaters have mechanisms set up to ensure you CANNOT hop. usually this is in the form of dividing the theaters by floor or section and having ticket stub takers man each section. this way there are probably only 3 films in each wing that either a. are not films you want to see or b. are timed so similarly that hopping is impossible.

2. it's ALL about timing. i find that moviefone.com is best used when planning a day of film jumping because they list the times and the length of the film on the same page. this way one can calculate what times their movies get out and the times others begin. then write up a schedule. ie. 11:30 Memoirs of a Geisha (2hr24min + 15 mins of previews ends @ 2:10) >>>>2:00 Rent (you can use the previews as pad to get to movies late- 2hr15mins +previews ends at 4:30)>>>> 4:50 Syriana. now the key is, figuring out which theater is playing which film at which time. luckily most films will list the times on a scrolling marquee above each door. when i arrive at the venue, i generally do a walk through and log which theaters i'll be hitting for which film. never wait for a movie for more than 20-30 min. this way- it's believable that you're there a little early.

3. bring your own food. you DO NOT want to keep hitting the snack bar for every film, allowing potentially the same staff people to get a look at you over and over.... but really tho- those folks aren't paid enough to care. that tidbit is to save you money and to keep you paranoia down.

now,, go in peace and happy movie hopping.