Cheap Entertainment

If you're like us, money for movies is at the bottom of the list. This doesn't mean you have to miss out completely. We at Cinema Showdown have perfected the art of finding a cheap or free movie. Here are some of our tips.

AMC theatres have bargain shows before noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Though the price has gone from 4 dollars to 6 dollars, it's still a good deal. But, if you really want to save money on first run movies, go to the AMC Fork and Spoon (formerly Buckhead Backlot) in Buckhead or the Northlake Festival Movie Tavern where first run movies are 5 dollars before 5pm. These places make their money on food and serve pizza, burgers and the like.

If you're on a budget, skip the food. It's overpriced and hit or miss in taste. If dinner out is part of your plan, the Fork and Spoon has upscale items that are very good and fairly priced as compared to a restaurant. The Movie Tavern has your standard burgers, fries, pizza and nuggets. They're okay, but not gourmet. The Movie Tavern does have an excellent deal on Saturday mornings, $10, all you can eat pancakes & a family movie. Kids are cheaper. They usually only have one so called family movie at a time so there isn't much choice on the movie, but that's a fantastic deal.

Our favorite movie bargain is the Starlight Drive in on Moreland, South of I-20. $7.00 per person (ages 10 and up) for two first run movies. If you haven't been in a while, or the neighborhood has your worried, forget it all and check out the drive in. It has a new, yuppie, family personality. We've been going for years and have enjoyed watching it change from a daring night out to a glorified tailgate party. In fact, the last time we were there someone politely asked for a corkscrew.
The beauty of the drive in is you can bring your own anything except for pets. The atmosphere is very family friendly, Some parents put up play pens for little ones. No babysitter, no overpriced popcorn, adult beverages welcome... what's not to like about the drive in? Also, parents, it's a rock bottom bargain for a birthday party. And really, how many kids have access to a drive in these days? It's our favorite thing about summers in Atlanta. Don't wait for summer, the weather's perfect for a night at the drive in now. www.starlightdrivein.com

Watch your local papers for movies under the stars. Many neighborhoods and towns do movies under the stars. They're usually family fare and are free. It's a fun, free event.

Lastly, if you didn't get a chance to see Fireproof in theatres, First Baptist Church of Atlanta is showing for FREE this Friday at 7pm. Special showing for teens, and free childcare for all ages. Kirk Cameron, of Growing Pains and the star of the film is rumored to be making an appearance. Fireproof is a Christian movie, but the underlying message is about how to treat others, especially your spouse. It is a must see for all people considering marriage and those already married. Christian film or not, the message is one about respect and selflessness that we all could use more of. Call the church if you want to go and need childcare. Plus, it's a free night out, a free date night with your spouse. Free Free Free!

We hope you've enjoyed our naviagation around the world of cheap entertainment. Next week, we'll take about home video bargains. Join us every Thursday night from 7-8 for Cinema Showdown on Radio Sandy Springs.
Check out our podcasts at radiosandysprings.com.