I friggin' love going to the movies. I love previews and seeing what is about to come out. It is one of my favorite things to do. But the costs of going to the movies can be INSANE. So here are some tips to help you out, and also to improve your viewing experience.

1. Bring your own snacks, or scout out your theater before you go. I know this is frowned upon, but it will save you money, and honestly most theater employees don't even care. I went to one of those big chain theaters where tickets are like $12, and brought in a water bottle and some candy. They looked in my bag, and let me go in. Also, some theaters have really cheap food. To my Athens friends, the trip to Fun Barn is worth it. Small drinks and small popcorns are only a DOLLAR.

2. Sit slightly to the right of the middle, and the further back you are, the better the sound. I prefer to be in the middle of the theater, but every now and then when I do sit in the back, the sound is awesome.

3. Join a loyalty program if possible. Some places will offer those, and after a while things add up. You can get discounts on tickets or snacks, and sometimes it gives you the opportunity to order midnight screening tickets first.

4. Use the app "RunPee." It tells you when there’s a lull in the plot so you can go pee. It’ll also tell you if there’s a post-credits scene so you know if you should stick around or not. The app does cost money, but it is worth it if you're an avid movie goer.

5. If the people in your theater are too loud, are rude, the movie's sound is messed up, or your movie-going experience is somehow being ruined, go talk to customer service (politely) within the first 15 minutes. Often they'll give you a free pass, or let you see another movie that is starting around that same time.

Honestly just know your theaters, and you'll be able to figure out the little hacks. And if you make friends with your theater's employees, they'll hook you up.