Tech Corner: Movie Night Out App Review

This is a segment that focuses on how people can get the most use out of their devices. In this case it will be an in-depth review of an app that caught my eye concerning the arts. To kick-start this review column I picked an interesting app called Movie Night Out. Of course you would assume that this app helps you to search for movies to see for the night just by the title alone. But in fact this app gives you more than the obvious and basic functions a user would assume that’s needed in such a case. Yes this is no ordinary movie finder. This app has that X factor that makes it so unique. Truly, a movie night out app. Continue reading after the break and find out why this app was chosen as the first of many app spotlights.

About the app

If you are someone who gets to the movies early enough, you may be familiar with this name: National Cinemedia or NCM. This is the company that brings you the “pre-movie entertainment” while waiting for Showtime. Does Firstlook ring any bells? Well this is also the company that brings you this amazing app. Now I really never paid to much attention to it other than to have something past the time while waiting. But this company does great stuff the involves the movie viewer not only in the theatre but also in the lobby and on the go. They’re really customer oriented. Which is good to know going into what the app can do and why it does so much.

Its free and available on both Apple and Android. Dont worry! If you don’t have one of these devices, you can always you the Web site version. (Though it’s not as handy as the app version sadly).

Inside the app

Once you open the app, youre introduced to a welcome screen asking you to log in with Facebook or you’re NCM account. (I suggest signing up. I’ll explain later). If you decide not to sign in you can’t still use the app core features. Dont worry you can always log in through settings. What follows is a menu selection that’s simple but yet doesn’t look cheap. Oh and NCM logo is present which you wouldn’t know who they were at first glance if you didn’t know some background.

A great selection of options are available to choose from. Whether you want to check out upcoming movies or what’s out now. Find and save youre favorite theaters to a list for easy access. There are a few ways to navigate through without being confused. You can even rate a movie and make your own short review. But wait there’s more!

Social integration

This is where the app shines. It’s X factor. If you didn’t sign in with Facebook, this is what you’ll be missing. The social aspect in many people life is important. Yes even in such cases as movies, which they implemented very nicely. Every option you use has a function that involves some form of social integration. You can check in a movie theater with Foursquare, share youre rating/review on Facebook and Twitter, And even invite friends out to movie nights by way of Facebook invites! It really uses the core functions of these Social networks and makes it fun to use and have a purpose instead of just a random post or tweet. And best of all seamless and easy.

Verdict

NCM shows that a company can actually care for its users and make an application that works right out the box, no matter the purpose of use. This is definitely a must download for anyone. Not just movie buffs, but the occasional movie goer can make a fun day or night of recreation without a lot of planning. Because it does it for you. Just focus on the best part of the night, the movie.

Apple Link: Movie Night Out

Android Link: Movie Night Out

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