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MovieFone is a website dedicated entirely to films. Users can check out movie times in their local theaters or learn about current and past releases to see what they were about, who was in them, run times and more. Users can also read reviews for films to see how they fared with critics and viewers. The site even puts each score side by side to give the user a better perspective on the quality of the film. Users are also invited to write reviews for films they have seen. MovieFone includes an area to view current movie trailers as well as a DVD page so users can see past and new DVD releases by title or genre. Additional categories help users search for the website’s top 100 movies, blue rays, editor’s monthly picks and coming soon titles.

MovieFone began in 1989 as a telephone service that would provide customers with details on films such as movie plots, ticket purchase information and screenings. The company was purchased in May of 1999 by AOL. Today, MovieFone maintains a helpful website that gives visitors a great deal of information on films, local theaters, DVD releases and other entertainment related topics.

Many websites offer movie information. What makes MovieFone appealing is the way it brings together so many different movie related elements. Users can read critic and viewer reviews, see DVD release information, set a local theater, discover movie play times and much more. Users can even invite friends to show times or text them directly from the MovieFone website.

The MovieFone website has a relatively well organized design that features a red banner and white background. Color MapQuest maps are embedded in the theater results pages. The website contains a number of advertisements as well, but these are generally kept off to the side or at the top of the site. Users can see highlighted data posted near the top of theater and film pages, much like other similar websites. The design works well overall, giving users an easy to navigate layout with lots of information on the films they want to see.

Visitors can access MovieFone content without logging in. The website does offer an account option. Users who would like to register can click the small, blue “Register” link in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. Users are asked to sign in with their AIM or AOL username and password. Anyone who does not have either of these will have to create one. It is probably safe to say that this is expected since the site is owned by AOL, although it is not terribly convenient for those who do not have AIM or an AOL screen name.

MovieFone offers a great deal of information, but it is not anything the user couldn’t find for free elsewhere on the web. There are no subscription fees or other charges at this time. Of course users may spend money on movie tickets purchased online, but these transactions are handled through the ticket seller.

MovieFone is a helpful resource for anyone who loves movies or is planning to see a movie. The user can learn more about the plot, how the movie was rated and where it is playing currently. The website also lets users get involved by posting their own reviews for movies they have seen.

• Create an account using your AOL or AIM screen name and password
• View movie information, such as playtime and cast lists
• Text show times directly to others from the MovieFone website
• Set a local theater as the user’s main location
• Learn about DVD releases and watch movie trailers

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